By George Arthur Jackson
There is no such expression in
the Bible as "heart-felt" religion, but the idea of
a religion of the heart is found there.
The religion of Christ is,
basically and preeminently, a religion of the heart,
Christ rules and controls the heart of the believer
and thus controls his conduct.
Man is a dual being. He has both
a physical and a spiritual nature. There is both an
“outward” and an “inward” man. (2 Cor.4:16).
Man has a physical heart, but
this is not the heart, which the Bible almost always
refers. If so, how was if that Nabal’s “heart died
within him” and yet it was about ten days later when
“The LORD smote Nabal, so that he died?” (2 Samuel
15:6). And how can a man be on earth and his heart
in heaven? (Matt. 6:19-19). And how can five
thousand people have only one heart? (Acts 4:4,32).
The heart affected by Christ is
the inner man, that part of man that thinks, feels
and wills. With the heart man thinks: “Wherefore
think ye evil in your heart?” (Matt. 9:4); Reasons:
“Why reason ye these things in your heart?” (Mark
2:8); understands (Romans 10:10); loves (Matt.
23:37); hates (Leviticus 19:17); purposes Daniel
1:9); resolves (Judges 5:15); and obeys (Roman
6:17-18).
Man can control his heart. God
once destroyed the world because “every imagination
of the thoughts of his heart was only evil
continually.”(Gen. 6:1-8) Man can “wash” his heart
(Jer. 4:14) “harden” his heart (Heb. 3:8) “keep” his
heart (Prov. 4:23); or he can allow Satan to fill
his heart with wickedness (Acts 5:3). The change of
heart is very important, and yet many do not
understand what it is. They think the change of
heart is a feeling located in the physical heart.
This is not true, but is a change which takes place
in the inner man - a change of the intellect, the
emotions, and the will. In this revolutionary
process one’s thinking is changed from unconcern and
open hostility to faith and love for God; and one’s
will is changed from stubborn impenitence to
penitence. This change is accomplished by the Spirit
through the Word of God.
When this change of the inner man
has taken place , the outer man (the body) is ready
to yield in obedience to Christ.
- via the Belvedere
Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the
Belvedere Church of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken
Chumbley preaches for this congregation, and he may
be contacted at their website:
http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org
By Clarence DeLoach
“The God of Heaven will prosper us" (Nehemiah 2:20)
When trouble and opposition came
to the builders, Nehemiah went on the offensive. He
developed a powerful and positive strategy for
battle against discouragement, danger, derision,
discord, distraction, defamation and dismay. The
antagonists were overcome and the builders succeeded
because they applied five powerful principles that
need to be implemented by the builders of the
Kingdom today.
1. They prayed. The battles we
fight must be bathed in the prayers of the saints.
Satan levels the arsenal of hell against the
builders of truth and righteousness. Prayer releases
the power of God in our struggles. We cannot win
alone! (Phil. 4:6; I Pet. 4:7; Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2;
James 4:2)
2. They were alert. Prayer must
always be coupled with watchfulness. We must be
aware of the enemy - his deception and cunning. His
devices are clever and manipulative. (I Pet. 5:8; II
Cor. 2:11) As builders, we cannot afford the luxury
of apathy or indifference. (Matt. 26:41)
3. They were prepared. As they
worked, they were prepared for battle. Nehemiah put
a sword in one hand and a tool to build in the
other. (Neh. 4:16-20) Build and battle at the same
time. As builders, we must be suited up in our armor
at all times. Put on the "whole armor of God" (Eph.
6:10-18). Satan is always looking for an opportunity
to infiltrate. By keeping "all" the armor on at
"all" times we'll be ready when the attack comes.
4. They were united. They worked
with organization, cooperation and coordination. The
phrase "and next to him" is repeated about 30 times
in Nehemiah chapter three and suggests that the
builders were a close-knit team. So, the body of
Christ is "joined and knit together" which results
in edification and growth. (Eph. 4:16)
5. They were determined. They
would not be sidetracked or distracted by
intimidation from without, or dismay from within.
They had "a mind to work." With a focused,
determined leader in Nehemiah, the builders
persevered and in 52 days the walls were completed.
Read Nehemiah chapter 4 and note
these five principles. The church will stand strong
against the enemy when we apply these steadfast
principles. Remember, a good offense is the best
defense!
- via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the
Calvert City Church of Christ, Calvert City,
KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the
congregation. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website:
http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
By James Burns
Titus was to exhort servants to
adorn the doctrine of God (Titus 2:9-10). They
were to do this by living faithful lives.
There was nothing they could do, nor is there
anything we can do, to improve on the doctrine of
God, but there are things that can draw more
favorable attention to it.
We can adorn the doctrine of God
by knowing the doctrine. Peter tells us to
“always be ready to give a defense” for our hope (1
Pe3ter 1:15). Knowing what we believe and why
we believe it can help leave a favorable impression
on an inquirer.
We can adorn the doctrine by good
works. Jesus said, “Let your light so shine
before men that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
We can adorn the doctrine by
content-ed lives. When one can face the crises
of life with faith and hope, others will want to
know the source of such power. Paul said he
had learned how to be content under varying
circumstances of life (Philippians 4:11-13).
Certainly, Paul’s life adorned the doctrine of God.
We can adorn the doctrine by
letting people see that the church is important to
us. People know when we attend its services
and support its works.
We can adorn the doctrine of God
by “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in
the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Jesus
prayed that those who believe on him might be one,
that the world might believe on him (John
17:20-21). He also said that by our loving one
another, others can see that we are his disciples
(John 13:35). The Jerusalem church was “of one
heart and one soul” (Acts 4:12). Let us in
these ways and in all other ways “adorn the doctrine
of God.”
- via THE SOWER,
a weekly publication of the Arthur Church of Christ,
Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and
editor, may be contacted through the congregation's
website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com
By Dave Ridenour
Advertisements abound today that
claim to bring instant results without any effort or
hard work on your part. “Just take a pill and
lose weight, there’s no need to exercise and burn
off that fat.” “You want to look like Charles
Atlas, just hop onto this machine 10 minutes twice a
week and you don’t have to even work up a sweat.”
Now, those false
advertisements don’t bother me that much, because I
know better than to believe them. But that “no
sweat” mentality is sometimes seen in some of the
members of the Lord’s church. Too many are
trying to make the Christian life as easy and
painless as possible. Religious bookstores are
filled with quick-fix theology books that
claim to unlock the secret to a mature faith,
without much effort on your part. That’s not
what the Lord said! Notice what true
discipleship really involves:
1. True Discipleship
Involves Seeking. “But seek first the kingdom
of God and His righteousness, and all these things
shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33). To “seek”
here means to give all of your effort. It
implies dedicated, determined activity. Paul
says in Rom. 2:6-7 that God “will render to each one
according to his deeds eternal life to those who by
patient continuance in doing good seek for glory,
honor, and immortality.” Seeking the kingdom
is not easy, nor is it painless, but it is certainly
necessary.
2. True Discipleship
Involves Suffering. “Beloved, do not think it
strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try
you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
but rejoice to the extent that you partake of
Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is
revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy”
(1 Pet. 4:12-13). Suffering is frequently
connected with the Christian life. Jesus never
preached “good health” and “lots of wealth” if you
become a Christian, like you hear so much
today. In fact, at one time He told His
followers that they would be hated for His name’s
sake (Matt. 10:22). Paul also noted,
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ
Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12).
Suffering is never easy, but suffering is sometimes
necessary - especially in the area of Christian
growth.
3. True Discipleship
Involves Striving. “Strive to enter through
the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek
to enter and will not be able” (Lule 13:24).
The Greek word translated “strive” is where we get
our word “agonize!” This means that we are to
be diligently using every effort and the maximum
expenditure of resources and
concentration. This involves a continual
effort, as Jesus said in Luke 9:23, “If anyone
desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and
take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”
Discipleship is costly - it
involves crosses, denial, struggle, and sometimes
even suffering. But the rewards are always
greater then the efforts we put forth. And it
will always remain a fact that you won’t be a
disciple without some sweat!
- via The
Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the
Calvert City Church of Christ, Calvert City,
KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the
congregation. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website:
http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
(When I was a Preacher for the Christian Church)
By Dan Goddard
Men have long been prone to go beyond the limitations of God's word
in their zeal to serve Jehovah. Zeal for God is commendable when it is
coupled with a knowledge of God's will; but when one allows his zeal to
drive him beyond the confines of Bible teaching, it is catastrophic. As
He delivered His law to the Israelites, God said, "Ye shall not add unto
the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it,
that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command
you" (Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32). For the Israelites to keep the
commandments of Jehovah was for them to observe His word without
addition or subtraction. Any other course was to invite the Father's
displeasure. That the same principle holds true today is shown in the
following instances:
1. Paul's instruction to "learn not to go beyond the things written" (1 Corinthians 4:6).
2. Peter's admonition to speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).
3. John's warning that those who go onward and abide not in the teachings of Christ "hath not God" (2 John 9).
4. The closing words of the Revelation letter is cited against those who
would "add to" or "take away from" the words contained in "the book of
prophecy" (Revelation 22:18).
In view of such perspicuous statements, it would seem that men would see
the folly of going beyond God's written word. That they do not is
evident in prevalent religious practices.
A case in point is the use of instruments of music in worship. Here
is a common practice, yet one for which there is not a vestige of
scriptural basis. It's existence depends upon going beyond God's
commands.
Many advocates of instrumental music, both seeing and readily
admitting there is no Bible authority for their practice, seek to
justify instrumental music from other viewpoints. Let us notice some of
the arguments I used to justify this unscriptural practice.
Argument: It is true that musical instruments in Christian worship
are not mentioned in the Bible, but neither are church buildings, pews,
lights, and many other things - things which we all readily accept.
Answer: Here is a failure to distinguish between worship and the
place of worship. God has specified acts of worship, but not the place;
yet a place of worship is essential in keeping God's command to
assemble. Whether it is under an oak tree or in a building equipped with
pews, lights, baptistry, etc., the place of worship is authorized in
the commandment to assemble (Matthew 18:20; Acts 20:7; Hebrews 10:25).
Authority for a church house can also be found in other scriptures, but
there is no such scriptures covering instrumental music in worship.
Argument: But you have Sunday School. The Bible does not mention
this. How can you accept this, but condemn instrumental music in
worship?
Answer: Christ said teach, but He did not specify how (Matthew
28:19; John 4:45). Methods of teaching are left to human judgment.
Sunday School or Bible Class (as we prefer to call it) is only a means
of teaching. Instrumental music is not a method of doing anything God
has commanded. Surely, no one will say it is a means of singing.
Argument: You do not object to the piano in the home. How can you use it at home, but not in the church?
Answer: If one is worshiping, it is just as wrong for him to use the
instrument at home in private as it is in the assembly. Anything that
is morally right is permissible for the home, but only that which is
commanded by God can be used in worship.
Argument: But all Christian life is worship. When you use the
instrument at home, you are actually worshiping. When you refuse to use
it in the assembly, you are being inconsistent.
Answer: All Christian life is service, but not all Christian life is
worship. Everything that one does is to be in harmony with God's will,
but not every act is an act of worship. God's word is comprehensive,
governing both our every day activities and our activities in worship.
The use of "worship" in the Bible indicates that it has reference to
special acts of homage. The Apostle John fell down before the angel of
God in a definite act "to worship". The angel reproved him and
instructed him to "worship God" (Revelation 22:8,9). This act should
have been directed to God, not the angel. One is hard pressed indeed
when he bases his case on such obvious assumptions.
Argument: We use the instrument of as an aid to singing.
Answer: Instrumental music is more than an aid. It is an addition to
God's plan. Illustration: God's specified gopher wood as the material
out of which the ark was to be made. Suppose Noah had used cedar or
pine. Such would have been a violation of God's plan. Now if God had
commanded the ark to be made of wood, there would have been no
violation. But He specified gopher wood. This excluded all other kinds.
God has specified the kind of music to be used in worship. Instrumental
music is another kind. To use it is to despise the plan of God.
Argument: I see no harm in it and I am going to use instruments of music regardless of what the Bible says or does not say.
Answer: You may not see any harm in it, but this does not mean God
does not see harm in it. Remember, our worship is to please God, not
ourselves (Colossians 3:17).
Let us sing, making melody with our hearts to the Lord, as God
commands (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). Let us refuse to go beyond
that which is written.
- via the Belvedere Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere Church
of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for this congregation,
and he may be contacted at their website:
http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org
By Stephen R. Bradd
Dear Christian friends, this
lesson is designed to stimulate thought on an
individual and congregational level. After you
consider the following thoughts personally, I
encourage you to share them locally with your
brothers and sisters in Christ whom you worship the
Lord with and labor with in His kingdom.
What do you want this church to
be like? How do you want us to be thought of in the
community? What impression do you want our visitors
to leave with after coming our way? Most
importantly, what does God think of us, and how will
our congregation be judged eternally? As you think
about your answers, let your imagination soar for a
moment--friendliest church, most inspiring worship
assembly, best evangelistic emphasis, most
compassionate benevolence program, most peaceful
church, best taught Bible school, strongest
visitation program, most loving fellowship, best
youth program, most generous, etc. Brethren, do you
realize that the choice is yours?
Of course, I'm not talking about
what doctrine we will believe, practice, or teach.
That's already been decided for us by Christ. If we
want to be the Lord's church, then obviously we must
do what the Lord said, or we are not His church.
There is no getting around that truth, no matter
what our tolerant post-modern society may say. What
I am talking about is how we apply the teachings of
the New Testament. That's what really determines
what this congregation will be like, and that
decision is up to the membership. Allow me to
elaborate.
Who decides what the attendance
will be at any given assembly? The members decide!
Who decides how much will be spent on evangelism?
Someone might state, "Well, the elders decide that."
Wrong! The elders may decide where the money will
go, but the members decide how much will be spent,
because the elders can't spend what the members
won't give. What about the atmosphere of our
assemblies, who decides what it will be? Why, the
members, of course!
You can't have a friendly church
without friendly members. You can't have a loving
church without loving members. You can't have
enthusiastic worship in spirit and truth without
zealous and dedicated members. You can't have peace
in the Lord's church, unless you have brethren who
are humble peacemakers.
So, who decides whether we are a
growing, stagnant, or dying church? You know the
answer: it's the members! Oh yes, leadership plays a
major role. The Bible teaches (as well as common
sense) that the church cannot outgrow its
leadership. In other words, you can't have a growing
church with a stagnant or dead leadership. Generally
speaking, the members will not go where their
leaders will not lead. Many churches are stagnant,
dying, or dead, because their leaders offer little
or no example of real leadership for the members to
follow.
Ultimately, though, it falls on
the membership to decide whether the church grows,
dies, or maintains the status quo (which is really
just a nice way of saying "remains stagnant"). In
the case of stagnant leadership, faithful members
will kindly exhort and encourage the leaders to
boldly dream, challenge, and lead by example. In the
case of dynamic, on-fire leadership, though, if they
don't have zealous members who are willing to follow
their lead by involving themselves in the work, then
the battle is lost. The simple truth is that it
takes great leaders and great followers to build a
great church!
To a great degree the success or
failure of the local congregation is in your hands.
The local congregation, to a large extent, will be
what you choose it to be. You must decide how much
visiting will be done, how many home Bible studies
will be taught, how many folks will be invited to
attend our services, how much the gospel will be
shared in private conversations, and what kind of
influence the church will have in the community by
your own personal demeanor and example. You decide
how much money will be spent on world evangelism,
how uplifting and joyful our worship will be, and
whether or not we have peace or war in the local
fellowship.
- via the Lake
Hills Letter, weekly bulletin of the Lake
Hills Church of Christ in Chattanooga, TN.
Shane Robinson preaches for the congregation, and he
may be contacted through their website at
http://www.lakehillschurchofchrist.org/
By Hugo McCord
Every man, as Jeremiah, Jesus, and Paul, can live a chaste, holy
life and stay single if he so chooses: "No trial has taken hold of you
except what is common to humanity. God is trustworthy, and he will not
allow you to be tried beyond your ability. With the trial he will
provide an escape, so that you can bear up under it" (1 Corinthians
10:13, FHV). "But, said the Lord, It is not good for Adam to be alone
(Genesis 2:18, FHV)." The companionship of a dog or a cat or a parakeet,
though deeply satisfying, still lacks something. Consequently, for
Adam no suitable helper was found (Genesis 2:20, FHV).
Around this first solitary figure stretched the greenery of the
forest and at his feet the wild flowers burst into bloom. But in the
midst of such natural loveliness, it is said that the man himself was
lonely in his solitude. He heard the glad call of the birds to their
mates, and saw them build their homes with joy of natural things. But
for him there was no song, because there was no one to hear his singing,
no one who could understand his dreams, share his joys, or sympathize
in his sorrows.
But God saw that it was not good for him to be alone and created for
him a helpmeet. With her fragile loveliness and grace more beautiful
than his strength, her intellect swifter to understand, and a heart
tenderer to be touched, she brought to him those lovelier graces for
which his nature yearned.
And so this first home came into being as the perfect fulfillment of
a vital human need, the completion of two natures that alone were
incomplete. This is the beauty and significance of every home. For
here alone is found the consummation of earthly happiness, a security
derived from perfect loyalty, a contentment based on mutual
understanding, and a joy born of perfect love (“Wedding Ceremony”
composed by James O. Baird and used at the marriages of his children).
It is noticeable that the all-wise God did not create for Adam as a companion a Robert (Genesis 2:22).
It is noticeable that the all-wise God did not create woman from
man’s head, that she should be his ruler; nor from his feet, that he
should walk on her; but from near to his heart that he should love and
cherish her (John Wesley and Genesis 2:21).
It is noticeable how pleased and even thrilled Adam was when he
first laid eyes on Eve: "This is the time! Bone from my bones! Flesh
from my flesh! She shall be called ishsha (“woman”), for from ish
(“man”), she was taken. Therefore a man shall leave his father and
mother, and be glued to his wife, and they shall become one flesh"
(Genesis 2:23-24, FHV).
A Sunday School teacher was trying to impress her class with the
mind-boggling concept of the omnipresence of God, that there is no place
that God is not. She was shocked when a girl said, “God is not at our
house--God would not be in a house where a man talks as mean as daddy
does to my mother.”
Oh! How that husband needs to repent, to apologize, to pray, and to
read his Bible! He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind
(Proverbs 11:29). Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house
full of feasting with strife (Proverbs 17:1).
One who loves covers a transgression, but he who keeps talking about
a matter separated close friends (Proverbs 17:9). Unavoidly
disagreements will arise, but lovers will quickly find a solution--yes,
before sundown (Ephesians 4:26, FHV). An old man told me, “Every night
in bed, before we go to sleep, I give her a love pat, a reassurance that
all is well between us.”
Husbands are included in the admonition to all Christians to be kind
one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as
God in Christ has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).
If a husband wants to be liked and appreciated he will cultivate a fruit of the Spirit called “kindness” (Proverbs 19:22).
Then the apostle couples with kindness another fruit of the Spirit
called “gentleness:” "I, Paul myself, am begging you by the gentleness
and kindness of Christ" (Galatians 5:23; 2 Corinthians 10:1, FHV). No
husband, if he considers himself a gentleman, would say, “Paul was not
talking to me,” for the very word “gentleman” says a man is gentle.
Can a husband be called a “gentleman” if he is gentle with his boss
and with his neighbors, but he is not gentle with his wife and
children? To be gentle, says the dictionary, is to be “mild; moderate;
not violent, harsh, or rough.” The wise man said, A gentle tongue
melts anger, but harsh words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1,
FHV). What husband is wise and understanding among you? Let him show
by honorable behavior his works in gentleness of wisdom” (James 3:13).
In some homes a worthwhile placard adorns a wall:
Christ is the head of this house, an unseen guest at every meal, a silent listener to every conversation.
No wife can ever appreciate her husband as she would like to if he
is cheerful and smiling away from home, but at home is a sourpuss and
grumpy. An irritable husband cheats himself: "Every day is bad to the
afflicted, but the cheerful of heart have a continual feast" (Proverbs
15:15, FHV). "A cheerful heart is a good medicine, while a crushed
spirit dries up the bones" (Proverbs 27:22, FHV).
Who is the greatest husband? Jesus is the “bridegroom,” and his
“bride” is “the church” (John 3:29; Ephesians 5:25). How much did he
love his wife? He “gave himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25), and "In
this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies.
He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated his
own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church"
(Ephesians 5:28-29, NIV).
Likewise, in the same way, each one of you also must love his wife
as he loves himself (Ephesians 5:33, NIV). The wife of Hugo McCord has
often said that she will never have any trouble in being subject to him
as long as he loves her as much as he loves himself.
Paul’s personification of love is beautiful and meaningful:
Love is patient. Love is kind and not jealous. Love does not
boast, and is not puffed up. Love does not behave improperly. Love is
unselfish. Love keeps calm. Love holds no grudges. Love rejoices not
in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. Love covers with silence the
faults of others. Love trusts and hopes and endures all things. Love
never ceases(1 Corinthians 13:4-8).
Peter tells how the prayers of husbands will be heard: "Likewise,
husbands, live understandingly with your wives, as with those who are
more delicate; and bestow honor on them, as being fellow-heirs of
the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered" (1 Peter 3:7).
Everybody’s wholesome comedian of another generation, the late Will
Rogers, received an invitation from a rich Hollywood hostess to a
party. He went, and was the life of the evening. On his return home,
he sent a bill for $1000.00 to the hostess for “services rendered.” She
was shocked! She telephoned, “I invited you as a guest, not as an
entertainer.” He replied, “When Mrs. Rogers’ name is not on the
invitation to a party, I go to work. You will please mail me the
$1000.00.” She did, and he gave the money to charity. Will Rogers was
not a New Testament Christian, but he believed in giving honor to his
wife.
Every wife knows soon after marriage if her husband is a prize, a surprise, or a consolation prize.
- via The Family Friend, a monthly newsletter published by the Calvert
City Church of Christ, Calvert City, KY. It is an excellent resource
for articles relating to the family. To learn more consult the
congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
Throughout the epistles of 1
& 2 Timothy and Titus there is a very prominent
theme of soldiers fighting for Christ and opposing
Satan and his angels.
Paul charged the young preacher,
Timothy, to "war a good warfare" (1 Tim. 1:18), to
"fight the good fight of faith" (1 Tim. 6:16), and
encourages him to be a "good soldier of Christ" (2
Tim. 2:3). Paul, in his farewell address, declared,
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
course, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:7).
Clearly, fighting for the cause of Christ
should be the desire of every faithful Christian.
Interestingly, though, in 2
Timothy 2:23-24, Paul tells Timothy not to gender
strife - but to be gentle. Is it possible for us to
fight for Christ, and yet, not gender strife and be
gentle? I believe we can and must, and briefly, I
would like to suggest something for us to think
about as we go about to accomplish this vitally
important task.
I believe there are two types of
fighting in which men find themselves involved.
There are those, on the one hand, who fight with
reckless abandon, who jump into a situation without
thinking, having no regard for the innocent parties
involved. Their job is to accomplish the task no
matter what. Then there are those who keep a cool
head while in the midst of fighting, those who are
aware of the innocent parties involved and try to
keep them from being hurt. This is the type of
person who will not drop an atomic bomb when a hand
grenade (or even a pea-shooter) would have easily
done the job.
I believe when Paul says, "fight"
and then later says "don't strive, but be gentle,"
he was pointing out that when one fights for the
Lord he must have the proper attitude, purpose, and
method. We do not want to have the attitude of some,
it seems, whose attitude declares, "Let me at that
false teacher so I can rip his eye balls out!" Is
this person's motive or purpose what it should be?
We are to "contend earnestly for
the faith which was once for all delivered unto the
saints" (Jude 3) - we are to fight the good fight of
faith" (1 Tim. 1:18), but at the same time we are to
do so with the purpose of saving souls. "Seek and
destroy missions" have no place in Christianity, but
we are to "seek and save that which was lost" (Lk.
19:10). We must "speak the truth in love" (Eph.
4:15). "If any among you err from the truth, and one
convert him; let him know, that he who converteth a
sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul
from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins"
(Jam. 5:19-20).
- via THE SOWER,
a weekly publication of the Arthur Church of Christ,
Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and
editor, may be contacted through the congregation's
website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com
By W. Terry Varner
The world is temporal. Life on
this earth is in constant change. We are told “the
world passeth away” (1 John 2:17) and “the earth and
the works therein shall be burned up” (2 Peter
3:10). Peter reminds us that our “flesh is as grass”
(1 Peter 1:24). Solomon says, “The dust shall return
to the earth” (Eccl. 12:7). It is in the midst and
reality of constant change that man longs for
something permanent. The answer to our dilemma
is--THE UNCHANGING CHRIST.
CHRIST’S SALVATION HAS NOT
CHANGED. Salvation is deliverance from sin. The
salvation brought by Jesus Christ has not changed in
either its content or conditions. The “great
salvation” was “first spoken through the Lord” (Heb.
2:3). Peter stated of Christ, “thou hast the words
of eternal life” (John 6:68). None can go to heaven
except [if and only if] through Christ. “I am the
way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto
the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Christ still
calls men by faith (Heb. 11:6), repentance (Luke
13:3), confession (Acts 8:37), baptism (John 3:3,
5), and a life of putting first things first (Matt.
6:33).
CHRIST’S KINGDOM HAS NOT CHANGED.
Paul writes that Christ’s kingdom “cannot be shaken”
(Heb. 12:28). This harmonizes with Daniel’s prophecy
of the eternal nature of the kingdom as, “the God of
heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be
destroyed... and It shall stand for ever” (Dan.
2:44). The words “kingdom” and “church” describe
different aspects of the same thing. “Kingdom”
describes the rule and spiritual sovereignty of God.
“Church” describes the members [Christians] who
compose the kingdom and are under God’s rule (Col.
1:18). The “kingdom” while in the world has been
“translated out of the power of darkness” (Col.
1:13). In the kingdom/church men have (1) redemption
by the blood of Christ (Col. 1:14) and (2)
forgiveness of sins (Col. 1:14).
CHRIST’S PROMISES SHALL NOT
CHANGE. Added to the unchanging salvation and
kingdom, the unchanging Christ has promises to His
faithful that shall not change. All spiritual
blessings shall always remain in Christ (Eph. 1:3).
Christ’s role as High Priest extends help of mercy
and grace to those who hold fast shall always remain
(Heb. 4:14-16). The promise of judgment (2 Cor.
5:10) and the determination of the eternal destiny
of all men (Matt. 25:46) shall always remain. Truly,
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea
and forever” (Heb. 13:8).
- via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg Church
of Christ in Harrisburg, IL. You may visit
their website at
http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org
By Jim Bullington
Know my habits; know my heart! This
proverb was never more evident than it was in the life of
Jesus when He returned to His hometown of Nazareth. “So He
came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His
custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day,
and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16-17).
I recently heard a nationally renowned
speaker say that he could discern the values that any person
holds dear if he had access to only two documents. And, what
are these two documents that hold the secrets of a man’s
heart? According to the speaker, they are his checkbook and
his daily planner. From these two sources, he could
determine how a person spends his time and how he spends his
money. In that sense, I concluded that the speaker was
correct! Everything that is truly important to me is
reflected in my checkbook and my planner.
Jesus had habits just like everyone else.
By carefully noting the text cited above, we gain insight
into the values that Jesus held dear. Note that He went into
the synagogue on the Sabbath days “as His custom was.” The
obvious import of this passage is that Jesus had, over a
long process of time, developed the habit of going into the
synagogue for the express purpose of worship on the Sabbath.
His custom was one developed of His own volition and not by
force of another. In the synagogue He could associate with
others who respected God’s laws and shared His view of their
importance. He could read from the inspired Scriptures,
God’s Divine source of wisdom. He could discuss how the
Scriptures applied to His own life and to the lives of those
about Him. The fact that Jesus habitually visited the
synagogue on a weekly basis reveals much about the character
of Jesus.
I have heard people argue, “I can be a
Christian without going to church every Sunday!” Usually I
have heard this line in defense of one’s habit of not
attending church services. With Jesus’ custom of attending
the synagogue in view, I wonder if an informed person would
make this argument to Jesus? I hardly think so! Why not?
Because everyone knows - “Know my habits; Know my heart!”
- via the weekly bulletin of the Harrisburg Church of Christ
in Harrisburg, IL. You may visit their website at
http://www.harrisburgchurchofchrist.org
By Johnny Oxendine
Some times we find ourselves having to
just go back to the scriptures to show people that what we
preach and teach is what the Bible says, not what we want it
to say. This comes up with numerous issues, but today we
just want to look at a very simple, but sometimes
misunderstood topic: baptism.
Why would a topic like baptism (for the
remission of sins) be so controversial for many in the world
and denominations today? Perhaps it is because in the church
we often hear that we are legalists, or that we put too much
importance on “minor” things like baptism in relation to
salvation. In view of what the Bible teaches, I do not see
how this could be possible. There are five very clearly
written passages in the New Testament that mention both
baptism and salvation in the same verse. Here is the list --
see for yourself: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4; Acts
22:16 and I Peter 3:21. In every one of these passages,
water baptism precedes salvation, the remission of sins or
walking in the newness of life. Do you know of a single
exception?
Just read this verse, "He who believes
and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe
will be condemned" (Mark 16:16). This passage clearly
contains the conditions for salvation: faith and baptism. It
also contains the conditions for damnation: a lack of faith.
If anyone wants to know what to do to go to hell, have them
read Mark 16:16 -- all that is necessary is a lack of faith.
If they want to know what to do for the salvation of their
soul, have them read the same verse -- it tells them to
believe and be baptized.
We can also read in Acts 2:38 that Peter
told a group of believers to "repent, and let everyone of
you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the
remission of sins." Our denominational friends (mostly
Baptists) often focus on the word "for" in this passage and
insist it means "because of," even though it is never
translated that way in the Bible. We have to remind them
that if baptism is "because of" the remission of sins, then
so is repentance. Baptism and repentance are joined by the
little conjunction "and." Which means that whatever baptism
is "for," repentance is "for" also. After one is buried with
Christ in baptism, they are raised to walk in a newness of
life (Romans 6:1-4). This new life comes after baptism. Many
denominationalists obviously want to "bury" the "new man,"
since they claim the newness of life comes before our
"burial."
Remember that three days after the Lord
appeared to Saul of Tarsus, Ananias told him to "arise and
be baptized, and wash away your sins" (Acts 22:16). Some
people today claim Saul was saved three days before Ananias
met him. Well, Ananias must not have known it, for he told
Saul how to "wash away" his sins. If Saul had been saved on
the road as some groups claim, he must have been the most
miserable saved man in the Bible. Saul was blind and spent
three days praying and fasting until Ananias arrived.
In I Peter 3:21 the Bible plainly states
baptism "now saves us." I realize that baptism alone is not
the only thing necessary for salvation. Other requirements
must be met, like faith, love and repentance. I do not know
of anything "alone" that will save a sinner, not even faith
(James 2:24). So, as always, we want to speak where the
scriptures speak (without additions)
- via the Belvedere
Beacon, the weekly bulletin of the Belvedere Church
of Christ, Belvedere, SC. Ken Chumbley preaches for
this congregation, and he may be contacted at their website:
http://www.belvederechurchofchrist.org
By Jay Lockhart
Paul gave some sage advice, yes a divine
commandment, when he said, “Do not think more highly of
yourself than you ought to think” (see Romans 12:3).
There are two things to keep in mind
here: (1) one should not think more lowly of himself than he
should—this is a false humility that overlooks one’s
strengths and abilities; and (2) neither should one think
more highly of himself than he should—this is pride that
causes one to look down on others and alienates from God
(see James 5:5).
The proud are the spiritually elite who
exalt themselves in their own eyes. They are those who have
the attitude, “If you only knew as much as I know, you would
think and feel as I do.”
This attitude, causes one to look down on
others and to pity them for being unspiritual. This attitude
is divisive because it pushes its agenda slipshod over the
less spiritual. This attitude is hypocritical because while
it claims to be spiritually mature it is often harsh and
unloving with those who disagree with it. This attitude is
selfish because it insists upon its own way. This attitude
is often rude and hurtful to those it considers to be less
mature. This attitude believes it knows how to grow a church
whether it has grown one or not. This attitude thinks it
doesn’t need to be governed by scripture and places its own
thought above the revealed will of God.
Here’s the question: which of the
above mentioned things express the attitude of Christ? The
answer, of course, is none of them. We all are to be growing
into the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). We are to learn to
think, speak, and act like Christ. When we fail we may
display attitudes that are far from the imitation of Christ.
We may only think we are spiritual people
unless we are acknowledging what is written as the
commandments of the Lord (see I Corinthians 14:37) and allow
God’s word to guide our thoughts, our attitudes, and our
lives.
- via The Encourager,
the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City Church of Christ,
Calvert City, KY. Lance Cordle preaches for the
congregation. He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
