Our Citizenship Is In Heaven

By David R. Ferguson
    In his Epistle to the Philippians, the Apostle Paul stated in chapter 3 verses 20-21 [ESV], 20 But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 Who will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself. This is yet another wonderful passage from God’s word that gives us a brief glimpse into seeing what awaits those of us who have been immersed into Christ and donned with His glorious apparel (Galatians 3:27). When we are clothed in Christ by submitting to being baptized for the remission of our sins, we rise up from the water to be clothed in His holy garments, a new creature whose citizenship and home now lies in Heaven.     Paul also told the church on Corinth, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 2:17 [ESV]). Paul explains this passing away of our old carnal nature in his letter to the congregation at Rome, saying, 3. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4. We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 5. For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we shall certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His. 6. We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the sinful body might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7. For he who has died is freed from sin. 8. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. (Romans 6:3-8 [ESV]) When we undergo baptism, we declare and proclaim visually to the world this wondrous gospel plan of salvation message of Christ and His death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). When we are baptized into Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), and as citizens of Heaven we are children of God and siblings of our elder Brother, Jesus.    Paul writes, 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by Whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs – heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with Him in order that we may also be glorified with Him. (Romans 8:14-17 [ESV]) But our suffering in this life will be worth it as our reward in Heaven will be great beyond measure: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18 [ESV]) When Jesus returns to gather us with Him and carry us home to live in Heaven forever: “Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when He appears we shall be like Him, because we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2 [ESV]).     May God bless 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

The Fallacy of Inherited Sin

By David R. Ferguson
    There’s nothing in the Bible which teaches that men inherit the sin of Adam, or that men are born in a state of sin. A person becomes a sinner when he commits sin, and he commits sin when he transgresses Gods' law. "Whosoever commits sin transgresses also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). A baby cannot be a sinner because he or she hasn’t transgressed God's law. The Prophet Ezekiel said, "The soul that sins shall die. The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself" (Ezekiel 18:20). Hence, sin isn’t transferred from one generation or person to another. All men are sinners, not because they have inherited sin, but because "all have sinned" (Romans 3:23). And since we stand or fall based upon our own actions, we’re not responsible for what others do. As Paul said, "each of us shall give account of himself to God" (Romans 14:12).    An infant is completely innocent. God says in Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." Something that was sinful would never be called “a heritage from the Lord.” So, we see that an infant is born perfect and without sin until he becomes of an accountable age and then begins to sin.    The doctrine that teaches that infants are born sinners and must be baptized to be saved is a perversion of God’s word because it contradicts God’s word. In Ezekiel 18:4 the word of God says, "Behold, all souls are Mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul that sins shall die." So, we see from this passage that God is telling us that children don’t inherit sin from their parents, their grandparents, or any of their forefathers, all the way back to Adam. God’s word says, "The son shall not bear the guilt of the father." Each person is responsible for his or her own sins. According to this verse, it’s "The soul who sins shall die." Does it say that the soul that inherits sin, it shall die? No. It says the soul who sins.    So, what is sin? 1 John 3:4 says, "Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness: and sin is lawlessness." We don’t inherit sin; we commit sin; and we commit sin when we commit lawlessness. An infant hasn’t broken any law of God, and thus hasn’t committed any sin. One who hasn’t committed sin isn’t separated from God, for it’s our sins that cause us to be separated from the Father in the first place, not our birth: "Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, or His ear dull, that it cannot hear; but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you so that He does not hear" (Isaiah 59:1-2). Because our God loves us, He desires that we become a child of His by allowing Him to adopt us into His very own family and become a joint heir with His Son Jesus for eternity. Will you give your life to Him today?

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

Our Oppression and God's Deliverance'

By David R. Ferguson     Mankind’s oppressor is Satan, the "god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4), and "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2). Just as pharaoh wouldn’t acknowledge Joseph as Egypt’s benefactor, Satan wouldn’t acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ, and he sought to displace Jesus and set himself up as lord of all.     Satan despises those who are made in the image of God, and we are told by Jesus that Satan was "a murderer from the beginning" (John 8:44). How was he a murderer? He was a murderer because in the Garden of Eden it was through the lies of Satan that sin was brought forth sin and death followed to all of mankind.     As Israel was in bondage to Egypt, we, too, are in bondage to sin. We are slaves to sin until we are freed by Christ. Paul wrote, "But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were servants of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered; and being made free from sin, you became servants of righteousness" (Romans 6:17-18). The Hebrews writer wrote, "Since then the children are sharers in flesh and blood, He also Himself in like manner partook of the same; that through death He might bring to nought him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and might deliver all them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage" (Hebrews 2:14-15). So we see that sin is a bondage that brings death. And since "all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23), we are all subject to death.     It wasn’t in God’s plan for mankind to remain outside His fold, for "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before Him in love: having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will" (Ephesians 1:4-5). Because of our Savior’s great love for us, Jesus suffered death and carried our sins with Him to the Cross of Calvary, defeating Satan and death in the process and securing for us the hope of reconciliation back to the Father: "For it was the good pleasure of the Father that in Him should all the fullness dwell; and through Him to reconcile all things unto Himself, having made peace through the blood of His Cross" (Colossians 1:19-20).     It’s only through Jesus Christ that one can proclaim victory over death: "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin; and the power of sin is the law: but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).     Only in Christ is salvation given. “There is no salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

- 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

Waiting on the Lord

By David R. Ferguson     One of the most difficult and challenging aspects of being a Christian and maintaining one’s faith is having to face the troubles and trials of this life. But the true child of God will persevere, not by relying on his or her own strength, but by finding encouragement from the Lord and His holy word (Philippians 4:7). James, the Lord’s brother, writes in James 1:2-5, "My brothers, you should be very happy when you experience many kinds of troubles, because you know that the testing of your faith will develop more endurance. Endure, so that your actions will be truly complete. Then you will be mature. You will have everything; you will need nothing. But if any one of you does need wisdom, just ask God. It will be given to you. God is the One who gives freely to all people, and He does this without complaining." Enduring, which is another way of saying our times of waiting, will undoubtedly be extremely difficult. But it’s during these times that our assurance that our belief isn’t in vain can grow and forge an even deeper faith in God as circumstances force us to fully trust in Him as we cling ever tighter to His unchanging hand.     I read or heard somebody once say, "I have prayed hundreds, if not thousands, of times for the Lord to heal me – and He finally healed me of the need to be healed." Bearing patiently all the things that God allows to challenge our lives in this fleshly coil may be the greatest aspect of self-denial and cross-bearing we have to confront. But true love for our Lord will allow no less, for Paul said, "Love...bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things" (1 Corinthians 13:4, 6) By enduring and waiting on the Lord, then, we shall find ourselves guided, furnished, safeguarded, disciplined, and rewarded.     Had Jesus grown up in China we may very well have heard Him tell a parable of the bamboo tree to teach us a lesson about patience and endurance. The Chinese bamboo tree seemingly does absolutely nothing for the first four years of its existence. But then a truly amazing thing happens. Suddenly, at some point during the fifth year, the bamboo plant shoots up an astonishing nine feet in a mere sixty days! So, the question becomes, did that bamboo plant grow in six weeks, or did it grow in five years?     It's my belief that our lives and the Chinese bamboo tree are very much akin to one another. Sometimes we put forth our best effort time and time again, with apparently no fruition for our labors, and no perceptible reaping for our sowing seeming to occur. But if we endure, as James says, and if we do so out of love, as Paul says, and if we do so unto death, as John says (Revelation 2:10), we will receive the rewards for all our efforts, as Jesus says (Matthew 25:21).     May God bless you as you learn to wait patiently on Him! By doing so, you will receive a great reward from Him as you live with Him forevermore throughout eternity!

- 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

Jesus the Divider

By David R. Ferguson "Do not think that I came to bring peace on Earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword. For I have come to `set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.' And `a man's foes will be those of his own household.' He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:34-38)     Jesus was no trumpeter for politically correct thought or speech. He didn’t hesitate to draw a line in the sand, so to speak, and stated resolutely, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." (Matthew 12:30). It’s only through our acceptance of Him as our Savior that we have any chance of coming to the Father. And if we aren’t with the Father, then come Judgment Day we will be cast into outer darkness where "There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out" (Luke 13:28).     Jesus also had no problem saying, “If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for My sake shall find it” (Matthew 16:24-25). Additionally, He said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).     With Jesus we know that we can find the way (the way: a well-worn path) through the narrow gate unto eternal life, for it is found in Christ Himself: "I am THE WAY, (emphasis mine) the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6b). Jesus didn’t say He was one of the ways, or one of many ways. Neither did He say, "Let's just agree to disagree." On the contrary, He was very exclusive in His statement. Once again, Jesus was no poster child for political correctness! And when it comes to matters of doctrine involving lost souls, we must do no less than Jesus and hold fast to "the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3b). For in doing so we will be able to hear the following words on that great day, “Well done, good and faithful servant: enter thou into the joy of thy lord” (Matthew 25:31).     May we have the courage to divide from the world and become united with Christ!     May the Lord bless 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

"There Will Be No Visitation or Service"

By Bill Brandstatter     I have read in some obituaries the following statement: “There will be no visitation or service.”  I wondered why that was the case.  I know that sometimes there is no service because of cost factors.  Others prohibit visitation because of the wishes of the deceased or the family.  I then thought about my life.  Would there be any visitation or services when I die?  Certainly, my wife and family will have a say in that matter; but there are some things I might want to look at.  The Psalmist tells us that “We spend our years as a tale that is told.”  (Psa. 90:10 KJV) What kind of tale are we telling?  It is true that we are writing our own obituary every day we live.  Will that obituary read “no visitation or funeral?”     I want my life tale to include some of the following:   How much did I love the Lord?  Was it just a love that would fit my own specific needs?  Did I love only those I wanted to and when it was convenient?  Was my love from the heart or just a “show” of love?  How much did I love the church?  Was I willing to do whatever I could to see it grow, or did I not want to get out of my comfort zone?  Did my attendance and my giving indicate my love?  How much did I love my brethren in Christ?  (Rom. 12:10) This would include people in the congregation I attend as well as those in other congregations.  This would also include those I don’t like or can’t get along with.  They have souls.  I need to love them for their soul’s sake.  What were my priorities in life?  Did I put family and friends ahead of church and the church family?  Did I obey God as He directed so that I can live on eternally?  Heb. 5:8, 9; Mark 16:16

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

It is Finished

By Bill Brandstatter
    The statement “It is finished” is considered by many to be one of final statements of Jesus as He hung on Calvary’s cross. What did Jesus mean when he referred to “it?” No doubt he was referring to the work the Father gave Him to do. (John 9:4) Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Obviously, all the lost were not yet saved when Jesus died. The process for saving them, however, was finished. Jesus put in motion the preaching of the gospel. He gave the Great Commission to His disciples so men could know what to do to be saved (Mark 16:15, 16). He shed His blood to open the door to heaven for Jew and Gentile alike.    Jesus also came that all men might have life (John 10:10). John tells us that “in Him was life, and the life was the light of men.” (John 1:4) Jesus opened the door of life for all those who obey Him (Heb.5:9).     Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). He most definitely did that when he drove out demons from men (Mark. 5:1-20).    Jesus came to set up His church. He laid the foundation (Eph. 2:20). He gave his apostles the entrance requirements and sent them out to preach. All this was done in order to finish the work the Father gave Him to do. (John 17:4)    “It is finished” shows authority.  To say “it is finished” is to say no additions are necessary. When man attempts to add, change, or modify the work of Jesus, he is denying the authority of that statement. God’s work of redemption is done, it is completed.    Peter noted that we have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Therefore, nothing more is needed. The plan of salvation is complete. Many today have yet to obey (Rom. 10:16). The old song we sometimes sing says, “Trust and obey for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.” Does that song apply to you? Is your salvation complete? What more must you do?     

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

LOVE or LIKE?

By Bill Brandstatter
    The two words above are confusing to many people. I can love someone but not like certain practices. I can love someone because of the soul which God put in him; but, I may not like their lifestyle or habits. God is a God of love; (1 John 4:18) but God does not like all of man’s behaviors and practices.    He loved Adam and Eve. They were God’s first human creations. God loved them so much that He gave them a paradise home. Since He loved them, He gave them some commandments to guide them in their paradise. They chose not to follow those commands. As a result, they were expelled from the Garden of Eden and death came upon the human race. He did not like what they did, but He loved them.    He loved people in Noah’s day. People became more and more wicked. (Gen. 6:5) God was sorry He made man and was grieved in His heart. (Gen. 6:6) God still loved him, but was sorrowful about the behavior and lifestyle of those created after His image. So, God caused a great flood to come upon the earth. Everything was destroyed. The only survivors were Noah, his wife, his sons & their wives and the animals in the ark. God didn’t do this because He hated man. He did it because He didn’t like what they were doing, and they created problems for themselves.    He loves people today. He wants all men to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:4) God is in the soul business. Man is in the flesh business. Man wants to justify self. God wants to save man from sin. So, when man reads the Bible, he thinks in different terms than God does. (Isa. 55:8, 9) Sometimes that which God condemns, man approves. That which man approves, God often condemns. (Isa. 10:30)    What man loves, God does not always like. (Isa. 5:20) Man loves pleasure and sinful activity. God loves man, but hates every evil way. God does not hate the person, but He often does hate their behavior. Jesus said the gate some would go through is broad and wide and the gate to heaven is narrow and difficult. (Matt. 7:13, 14) Man must make choices. If we know the word of God, we can better make the choices God wants us to make. He gave us the Bible because he loves us, yet He does not always like the things that we do. He demonstrates His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

"GREAT!!!"

By Bill Brandstatter

The word “great” has been used a great deal. Many times it is used to refer to a singer or actor. During this time of year, a football team may be called “great” after winning the Super Bowl. The word itself means that something is superior to something else. The word “great”; however, truly describes all the things God has provided for us. Nothing tops the greatness of God.    His salvation is great. The writer of Hebrews spoke of this great salvation. He wrote: “How shall we escape so great a salvation?” (Heb. 2:3) God’s salvation is great because it was spoken by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard Him (Heb. 2:4). God bore witness with miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Heb. 2:4). These gifts help to confirm the message and how great it was (Mark 16:20).    His Grace is great. When Christ came, the ultimate act of grace appeared to man (John.1:1:17). God’s grace appeared to all men when they saw and witnessed Christ (Tit. 2:11). Paul described God’s grace by indicating, “Much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of one man abounded to many.” (Rom. 5:15) Paul then states, “Grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 5:21) When Christ came, grace came. How great is His grace!    His mercy is great. Moses said, "Pardon the iniquity of this people, I pray, according to the greatness of Your mercy, just as You have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.” (Num. 14:19) God is more merciful than man. His mercy is greater than man’s mercy. The Psalmist declared “For great is Your mercy toward me.” (Psa. 86:13) His greatness can be ours. Paul wrote, “And what is the exceeding greatness of His greatness can be ours. Paul wrote, “And what is the exceeding greatness of    His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power.” (Eph. 1:19) If a person does not have God, this power is not available to them. Do you know and have God’s greatness working in you?

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

Make It Relevant

By Bill Brandstatter     The cry among many believers today is "make it relevant." They want the worship services relevant to the way society is today. They want the preaching to relate to societal problems. Is the preaching relevant? Do we have to change our worship and our preaching to meet the needs of today's culture?     Let us answer these questions with a few observations. What could be more relevant to an immoral, ungodly, humanistic society in which we live than Jesus Christ and Him crucified? The message of the cross must have related to the society of Paul's day. In some ways it was even worse than today’s society. Paul stated regarding his preaching: “For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!" (1 Cor. 9:16) Was Paul's preaching relevant? On another occasion Paul stated: "For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ." (Gal. 1 :10) Paul condemned just preaching what men wanted to hear. He also indicated he was in trouble if in that immoral, ungodly Corinth he did not preach the gospel?     When Paul preached the gospel what did he preach? Paul was first of all consistent in what he preached. A preacher who changes with the wind is not what God wants. Notice what Paul said about himself: "For this reason I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church." (1 Cor. 4:17) Notice Paul's consistency in teaching everywhere in every church. This is also indicated in 1 Cor. 7: 17: "But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so, I ordain in all the churches." Again notice "in all churches." Paul's message was the same everywhere he went.     We know some of what Paul taught. In Acts 19 he taught the brethren their baptism was wrong. They then obeyed the gospel. Was his preaching relevant? Was it fulfilling the needs of that day? To the church at Corinth Paul preached and "many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed, and were baptized." (Acts 18:8) Did Paul preach what was relevant?     What could be more needed or more relevant today than the good news or gospel of Jesus Christ? To cure loneliness, we need Christ. To help broken homes, we need Christ. To help failing marriages, we need Christ. To stop murder, suicide, etc. we need Christ, not a social gospel, not a felt needs message. We need Christ. If all individuals go to worship for is to be entertained, they are going for the wrong reason. We should go to be edified and built up in the Christian faith. This will help us to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Eph. 6:11) If we are after entertainment, there are a lot of places to go. If we want to be built up spiritually, we need to worship God. The worship needs to be such as pleases Him. If worship is decently and in order and not spontaneous and unexpected God will be pleased (John 4:23,24;1 Cor. 14:33). If Christ is preached and the gospel taught, the message will be relevant. If this occurs Christians should be strengthened and made stronger as a result.

- Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion Church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://marionchurchofchrist.com/

Triumph at Last

By David Sargent     The Carnival cruise ship Triumph finally docked last night in Mobile, AL, after 5 days at sea without power due to an engine room fire.  Passengers cheered as they got off the ship, completing a cruise that was designed to be both fun and relaxing but instead was marked by overflowing toilets, food shortages and foul odors.     The cruise began last Thursday from Galveston, Texas.  It was scheduled to last until Monday, February 11, after sailing four days with stops at various vacation spots in the Gulf of Mexico.  But on Sunday, February 10, a fire erupted in the engine room causing the ship to be stalled some 150 miles off Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.  Towboats pulled the ship through the Gulf to Mobile.  When the ship was brought to Mobile Bay, it still took six grueling hours and at least four towboats to navigate the 900 ft. vessel through the 30-odd-mile ship channel to dock.     "It was horrible, just horrible" said Maria Hernandez, 28, of Angleton, Texas, tears welling in her eyes as she talked about waking up to smoke in her lower-level room Sunday and the days of heat and stench to follow. She went on the cruise for a "girls trip" with friends.  She said the group hauled mattresses to upper-level decks to escape the heat. "I just can't wait to be home," she said.     That reminds us: the cruise ship was not built to be “home” for anyone.  It was designed to carry passengers on a temporary trip – hopefully, a pleasurable trip!  Even though this trip turned out to be a disaster, passengers and crew could find – and are now enjoying – relief from the fact that the cruise ship was never intended to be their “home.”     The same can be said of the world in which we live.  God created the world to be inhabited, but not forever....     He designed it to sustain our lives for a period of time, but neither the world nor our physical bodies were made to last forever.  He didn’t create this world to be our eternal “home.”  He has something far better – eternal and “heavenly” – in mind (see John 14:1-6; Revelation 21).     “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world.  And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:15-17).     One day “both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10).  But God “so loved the world [i.e., the people in it], that He gave His only Son [Jesus], that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).     Our sin condemns us to a fate much worse than “a bad ride on a cruise ship” (see Matthew 7:13-14).  But thanks be to God that because of Jesus we can be forgiven of our sins and receive the gift of eternal life to be enjoyed in our heavenly home!     God will forgive and give eternal life to those who: will place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  He will continue to “cleanse” and make ready for Heaven, those who continue to follow His Word as a way of life (1 John 1:7).     Around 4,200 passengers and crew members are relieved that the Triumph finally made it back to shore.  “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory” – the real triumph over sin and death – “through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

Keep Your Fork

By David Sargent
    A young woman was diagnosed with a terminal illness and was subsequently given a short time to live. As she was getting her things in order, she called her preacher and asked him to drop by to discuss her wishes for the funeral.    She mentioned the songs she wanted to be sung, scriptures to be read, and a few other details. As the preacher was preparing to leave, the woman has one more request.    “There is one more thing,” she said.   “What’s that?” the preacher replied.    “I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand.”    Puzzled, the preacher asked, “Please pardon me, but why do you wish to be buried with a fork in your right hand?”    She then explained. “In all my years of attending church dinners and potlucks, I remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably remark, ‘Don’t forget to keep your fork!’ This was a reminder that something wonderful was still waiting, such as chocolate cake, banana pudding or deep-dish apple pie. Holding on to my fork lead to countless occasions of delight. So, when people see me in my casket with fork in hand, you can tell them that I expect something far better to come!”    The preacher’s eyes welled up with tears as he hugged the woman, knowing that this might be the last time he would see her alive on earth. But he also realized that she had a profound grasp of heaven. She KNEW that something infinitely better was coming.    During her funeral, scores of people walk by the woman’s casket, noting the fork in her right hand. Over and over, the preacher overheard the question “Why the fork?” And over and over he smiled.    During the eulogy, the preacher told the audience about the fork and about what it meant to the woman. Although a few were crying prior to the preacher’s remarks, not a dry eye remained after he explained the meaning of the fork.    The next time you grab a fork, hold on to it a few extra moments… and remember that for the faithful child of God, the best is yet to come! *    Sin doesn’t give that kind of hope: “for the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).  This is terrible news, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).    But the GOOD NEWS (the Gospel) is that God loves us so much that He gave His only Son to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).  Through Jesus, we can have the forgiveness of our sins, be reconciled to God, and rejoice in the hope of eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:17-21; Titus 1:2).    In order to accept God’s offer of salvation and eternal life, we must place our faith and trust in Christ (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of our sins (Acts 2:38).  Then, we can “rejoice in hope” as we continue to walk in the light of God’s Word (1 John 1:7).

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

Paradise Lost- and Regained "

By David Sargent     Sarah Darling saw him and had compassion on him.  Billy Ray Harris is homeless and often finds refuge under a bridge in Kansas City, Missouri, which is also Sarah’s hometown.  Sarah took out her change purse and emptied out the contents into Harris’ cup.  But Sarah later realized that she had donated much more than she intended…     It wasn’t until the next day that she discovered her engagement ring was missing.  She remembered that she had removed the ring from her hand because the ring was irritating her skin and placed it into her change purse.  With a sinking feeling, she feared that the ring was part of the contents that she had emptied into Harris’ cup.     She returned to where she had seen Harris, but he wasn’t there.  She went back the following day and found him.  She approached him and said, “I don't know if you remember me, but I think I gave you something that's very precious to me.”     Harris responded: “Was it a ring? Yeah, I have it; I kept it for you.”  He handed the ring to her.     Sarah was floored – and elated!  "I actually feel like I'm especially lucky to have this ring now. I loved it before. I loved it so much, but I love it so much more now,” she later told a television host.     To show her appreciation, Sarah set up an online fundraiser for Harris. The donations and praise have poured in from all over the world.  In the first week of the 90-day campaign, over 3,400 donations were made totaling nearly $95,000.     Adam and Eve lost much more than an engagement ring when they disobeyed God’s instruction (see Genesis 2:16-17).  They lost their innocence and their home in the beautiful paradise of the Garden of Eden, including access to the tree of life that would have enabled them to live forever (see Genesis 3, esp. vs. 22-23).     The sin of Adam and Eve has been repeated by their offspring – including you and me.  “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).  And as a result, we also earn the “wages of sin”: death (Romans 6:23).     But God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins (John 3:16).  Through Jesus, we can have forgiveness of our sins and receive the GIFT of eternal life.  What was lost in the paradise of Eden may be regained – through Christ – in “the Paradise of God.”  “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God” (Revelation 2:7).     God will forgive and give access to the tree of life (eternal life)...  those who place their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turn from their sins in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and are baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).      Those who “overcome” by remaining faithful to Him will be rewarded with eternal life in the Paradise of God.

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

More Important

By David Sargent     After the second round of the RBC Canadian Open last weekend, Hunter Mahan, 31, had a two-stroke lead.  If he could continue playing well for the final two rounds on Saturday and Sunday, he could win the Open and $1 million.     Mahan was warming up at the practice range on Saturday morning in Oakville, Ontario, when his agent, Chris Armstrong, came to him with an important phone call.  In response to the call, Mahan immediately packed up his clubs, went to the hotel to get his stuff, and flew home in a friend’s private plane to Dallas, TX.  He left behind a possible victory accompanied by a $1 million check because there was something far more important to him: his wife, Kandi, had gone into labor, three weeks early.     Mahan got there in time to witness the birth of the couple’s first child.  Zoe Olivia Mahan was born at 3:26 a.m. on Sunday, July 30th.     Later that day, Brandt Snedeker won the Canadian Open and the $1 million prize.     But Hunter Mahan has no regrets.  “Both Baby and Mom are doing great,” Mahan tweeted. “Thanks to all - to my sponsors who appreciate what’s important in life and all my fans for being Awesome!”     “When I am done playing golf,” Mahan told Jason Gay of the Wall Street Journal, “I’d rather be noted for being a good husband and good father than anything else.” He explained that golf and golf titles were fleeting, that “success comes and goes,” and that there were more important things.  “Seeing your daughter every day, having a family – that is stuff that makes you happy to your core,” he said. *     What a wonderful lesson in priorities!  Some things are more important – like being there for your wife and the birth of your baby, even if it means giving up an opportunity to win $1 million.  The rewards of relationships are far more valuable than the awards of accomplishments.     THE most important relationship is our relationship with God! SIN separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23) But God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we can be reconciled to Him and receive eternal life (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21).     God will save and give eternal life to those who accept His offer on His terms by: placing their faith and trust in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turning from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confessing Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and being baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  Then, as one continues to walk in the light of His Word, the blood of Jesus continues to cleanse him from sin (1 John 1:7).     Thank you, Hunter Mahan, for reminding us of the priority of our relationships.

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

To Face Him

By David Sargent     Basketball fans will recognize the name Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game.     On one occasion, Jordan returned to his beloved alma mater, the University of North Carolina, to watch a ball game. Arriving at the gymnasium with a friend, they noticed that the parking lot was full. The friend suggested that Jordan park his car in an empty spot reserved for those with handicaps.     Jordan refused the friend's suggestion and said, "Oh no, I couldn't do that. If Coach Smith (the UNC basketball coach) ever knew I parked in a handicapped parking zone, I wouldn't be able to face him."     Commenting on Jordan’s words and actions, Neil Richey writes: “We all have people in our lives that, when thinking of making a decision we ask, ‘What would so and so think if they found out?’  We want their respect so much that we manage our behavior so as not to let certain individuals down.” *     Consider facing God in judgment…  Recognize that He is omniscient: “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight; everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:13     Because of our sin, we can’t “face” Him and expect Him to bless us because of our own righteousness.     Because of our sin, the holy God cannot “look” upon us with divine favor.   Habakkuk the prophet said of God, “You are of purer eyes than to behold evil, And cannot look on wickedness” (1:13).  Isaiah said, “Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear.  But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear.” – Isaiah 59:1-2     The only Way that we can “face” God in judgment is to be clothed with Christ.     God loves us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins so that we might be reconciled to Him (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21).  “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” – 2 Corinthians 5:21     In Christ, we can “face” God and receive His favor, but not because of our own personal righteousness – because compared to His holiness, our righteousness is like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).  In Christ, we can “face” God and receive His favor because when He looks upon us, He sees the righteousness of Christ, because the blood of Jesus cleanses the sins of one who is found in Christ.     To be found “in Christ,” one must place his faith and trust in Christ (Acts 16:30-31), turn from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ,” wrote Paul to the Christians in Galatia.  Then, as one continues to “walk in the light” of God’s Word, the blood of Jesus continues to cleanse him from sin (1 John 1:7).     As hard as we may try, we can’t face God in judgment thinking that we can earn our way into His grace.  But because of Jesus, we CAN  face God and receive His grace.  Because of His mercy and His grace, it should be our greatest desire to live the rest of our days in humble, grateful, and trusting obedience, never wanting to “let Him down.”     Won’t YOU place your trust “in Christ” for your salvation by doing His will today?

- David A. Sargent, minister for the Church of Christ at Creekwood in Mobile, Alabama, is also the editor of an electronic devotional entitled "Living Water." To learn more about this excellent resource contact David via their website: http://www.creekwoodcc.org

There is One Faith

By Brian Mitchell
    The story is told about an atheist who was spending a quiet day fishing when suddenly his boat was attacked by the Loch Ness monster. In one easy move, the Loch Nest monster tossed the atheist and his boat into the air. Then the beast opened its mouth and was ready to swallow the man right out of the air. As the atheist sailed in the air toward the mouth of the monster, he cried out, “Oh, God, please help me!”    At once the entire scene froze in place with the man hanging in midair above the open mouth of the Loch Nest monster. Then the booming voice of God came down from the clouds, saying to the atheist, “I thought you didn’t believe in me.” The atheist replied, “Come on, God, give me a break. Until a minute ago, I didn’t believe in the Loch Ness monster either!” Faith is a funny thing, isn’t it?    As you know, we are in a sermon series about the 7 ones that equal unity. God wants His people to be unified and the 7 ones are the things that unite us. So far in our series we have discussed the one body, the one Spirit, the one hope, and the one Lord. While Ephesians 4:5 states very clearly that there is just one faith, we live in a world in which there appears to be many faiths.    A popular belief that many people hold says: “There are many ways to God and all religions are equally valid.” There’s also the false idea that all religions are basically the same. Certainly, there are some similarities to the ethics and ideas of the assorted religions. But there are huge fundamental differences about who God is, what God is like, what God is doing in time and history, in how God saves and what God requires from people.    God could have provided many paths to Himself if that’s what God wanted, but that would certainly lead to a lot of confusion, and it would make the sacrifice of Jesus unnecessary. If people could be saved without the death of God’s own Son, then why would God offer that as one of the many paths to God? Another absurd thing that people often say is: “It doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you believe in something.”    Faith in faith is really nothing at all. Faith in general has no power at all. It’s not faith that moves mountains, its faith in a God who can move mountains that makes a difference. So, there’s a big difference between faith in faith, and faith in God. The object of our faith is way more important than the strength of our faith in that object.    For example, if I believe that a certain chair will hold me when I sit on it, the primary issue is the construction and quality of the chair – which is the object of my faith, not the amount of faith I might have in the chair. Even if I believe very strongly that the chair will support me, if the chair is a broken-down piece of junk, then it will break if I try to sit on it. My faith, even if it is ever so strong, will not make the chair good, if it is bad.    So, let me repeat, it is the quality of the object, not the quantity of my faith in the object, that is of primary importance. Do you have the one faith? Are you leaning wholly on Jesus? Sadly, far too many people claim to believe in Jesus, but you can’t tell it by how they live. We must believe Jesus is the one Savior and Lord and put our faith into action as we obey His commands and walk in His steps. This is the one faith. 

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

There is One Lord

By Brian Mitchell     One of the most challenging and most offensive of Paul’s 7 ones is that – there is one Lord. Why would I call it the most challenging and offensive of the “ones”? Because while everyone in Christianity might agree that there is one Lord, they often want the one Lord to be them, not someone else, and for many, certainly not Jesus. Jesus is the one Lord and that means He’s in charge; He’s the Master; He’s the King.     The apostle Paul clarified this truth clearly when he wrote to the Corinthians about eating food sacrificed to idols, he wrote: 4 About eating food sacrificed to idols, then, we know that “an idol is nothing in the world,” and that “there is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth—as there are many “gods” and many “lords”— 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father. All things are from him, and we exist for him. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ. All things are through him, and we exist through him” (1 Cor. 8:4-6).     I like the way that Paul contrasts the many “gods” and many “lords” (lower case) with the one “God” and one “Lord” (upper case). In truth, there are many lower case “gods” and “lords.” These lower case “gods” and “lords” include everything from the government, to our bosses, our parents, our spouses, ourselves, and our addictions.     Bob Dylan was right when he famously sung “you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” The chorus of his song says: But you’re gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed, you’re gonna have to serve somebody. Well, it may be the devil or it may be the Lord, But you’re gonna have to serve somebody.” If the only choice were between serving God and serving the devil, then most of us would quickly choose God.     But Satan, the great deceiver and the father of lies, has convinced many that we don’t have to serve anyone, and that we can do as we please. But make no mistake about it, if we don’t choose to serve God, then we are serving Satan. If we are self-serving, then we are ultimately Satan-serving. Here’s the other thing that makes this truth so offensive to some.     Jesus is Lord whether I believe in Him or not, or whether I think He is the Lord or not. My lack of belief in Jesus or my failure to acknowledge His lordship has no impact on the fact that Jesus is Lord. Similarly, I might refuse to believe that Joe Biden exists as a human being or refuse to acknowledge that he is the President of the United States. But my lack of faith and acknowledgement doesn’t change the truth that he exists and that he is president—at least for another couple of months.     Similarly, I might refuse to believe that gravity exists or that it is in control of things on our planet. But my lack of faith in gravity doesn’t change the truth that when I jump off the roof, gravity will bring me crashing to the ground. In addition to the fact that this truth is offensive to many, it is also challenging for all of us. What makes it so challenging is our struggle to allow someone else to be our Lord or boss. One of the most important issues that must be settled in every person’s life is the question of “Who’s the Boss?” And the truth is that God is “the boss” and the sooner we allow Him to be our boss the better off we will be.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

There is One Hope

By Brian Mitchell     Paul’s seven ones that equal unity is a fascinating study. God wants His people to be unified and the 7 ones are the things that unite us. So far in our series we have discussed the one body and the one Spirit. Consider the one hope we have in Christ. Let’s begin with an illustration from the Peanuts.     Lucy asked Linus, “You know what we’re going to do tomorrow?” Lucy continued, “Patty and Violet and I are going on a picnic!” Lucy concluded, “I just hope to goodness that it doesn’t rain.” Linus, the resident theologian, replied, “‘Hoping to goodness’ is not theologically sound!” This “one hope” is not an uncertain “hope so” type of hope, like the way we often use the word hope.     Like Lucy, we often say, “I hope it to doesn’t rain tomorrow on our picnic,” but we don’t really know one way or the other until it is time to go. We use the “hope so” kind of hope when we talk about hoping to get promoted at work, or hoping that our sports team will win. I hope that Alabama will win the national football championship–I hope the Titans will win the Super Bowl–that’s “hope so” hope. Our Christian faith gives us a “know so” hope, not a “hope so” hope. In biblical hope, we hope for things that are absolutely certain, but have just not yet been realized.     How can we be so certain about the biblical things we hope for? They are a certainty because God has promised them and God always keeps His promises. God had promised that Abraham would have a son with Sarah and many descendants to follow. He made the promise when Abraham was already 75 years old, but then Abraham and Sarah had to wait 25 years for the promise to be fulfilled—BUT IT WAS FULFILLED! (Heb.6:13-19).     I think that one of the reasons why God made Abraham wait so long was to prove how God is able to keep His promises and can even do so in a man and a woman who are way past child-bearing age. When God makes us a promise, He has no one greater than Himself to swear by. But when He makes a promise, we can know that He will keep it – because it is impossible for God to lie. God’s promise of our salvation through Jesus is the hope of our calling and it is an anchor for our souls, firm and secure.     In the end, our hope is so secure, because our hope is in Jesus Christ and His righteousness; our hope is not in our righteousness. Like the great hymn proclaims: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. In Rom.3, Paul explains: 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 3:23-24).     Our God is full of love and grace, and so, He has provided salvation through Christ Jesus. We are saved by grace through our faith in Christ. We are not saved by our own meritorious works, otherwise we might boast, and we would certainly fall short, rather we are saved by Christ’s work in His death, burial and resurrection. How’s that for good news? Great news!

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

There Is One Spirit

By Brian Mitchell
    The story is told about a Christian who arrived in Heaven and was excited to meet many people from Old Testament times and he had lots of questions for them. To Noah, he asked what it was like to be in the ark with all those animals. To Joseph, he asked what it was like to understand dreams and be second in command of all of Egypt. To Moses, he asked what it was like when the Red Sea parted. To David, he asked what it was like to take down Goliath.    To Solomon, he asked what it was like to have such great wisdom. To Daniel, he asked what it was like to be protected in the lion’s den. Each of the great people of the Old Testament answered the Christian’s question. Then each of them asked the Christian a question and it was the same question: What was it like to have the Spirit of God living in you? As great as all the displays of God’s power in their time, none of them had the promised Holy Spirit living in them.    The promised Holy Spirit living in us is a new covenant promise for Christians. I hope we can appreciate how unique and wonderful the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is. As you know, we are in a new sermon series called “7 Ones Equal Unity” based on Eph. 4:4-6. The seven ones that lead to unity are: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father.    In the first sermon in the series, we looked at the context of these verses in the book of Ephesians, in general, and in chapter 4 of Ephesians. We found that it is God’s desire that we live a life that represents the worthiness of our calling. Last week, in the second sermon of the series, we talked about the fact that there is only one body. There is only one body, meaning there is only one kingdom of God, one family of God, one church of God, one church of Christ, and one temple of God. When we obey the Gospel then God adds us to the body, the church.    Now let’s turn our attention to the second “one” that leads to unity and it is that there is one Spirit. Let’s begin by asking: What is that one Spirit? Or better yet, who is that one Spirit?     Praise God for the one Spirit who brings us into God’s family and makes us one body. Praise God that the Spirit lives in us, brings us life, and transforms us into the likeness of God. Praise God for the way the Spirit produces the fruit of the Spirit and gives us spiritual victory. I pray that all of us will be filled with the Spirit, walk in the Spirit and not grieve the Holy Spirit.    I pray that we will prepare ourselves for the spiritual battle by taking up the sword of the Spirit and by praying in the Spirit, so that the Spirit will enable us to win the battle. But it all starts by being born again of the water and the Spirit – when we are baptized into Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. And it all continues by walking in step with the Spirit and being filled with the Spirit and not grieving the Spirit.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

One Body

By Brian Mitchell     There is hardly a congregation of the Lord’s church today—Large or Small—that is not feeling some type of pressure to change. Whether it comes from within or without, there is mounting pressure today to alter our teachings about the nature of the church, salvation and worship. This pressure can be either good or bad—positive or negative.     It can be positive if it causes us to examine closely what we believe and make sure that it is in accordance with the Word of God. If it helps us to be able to distinguish between the Truth of God’s Word and the Traditions of Men—holding to the former while being willing to let go of the latter. It can be negative, if in an attempt to ease the pressure or simply to be more like those around us, we are willing to give up any of the essentials of our faith. That are dictated to us by the Word of God and thus not subject to change.     It does not matter if they are popular or not, there are certain limits beyond which we cannot go, if we are to remain pleasing to God—Gal.1:6-9. Regardless of what is often heard from the “change-agents” among us, we cannot alter, adapt or change in any way the foundational principles and practices of the Lord’s church. And to do so would be of no benefit to ourselves or to those we would “supposedly” be reaching by doing so.     I believe that it was Barton Stone that long ago said: “In matters of faith, Unity, In matters of Opinion, Liberty and In all things, Love.” While I wholeheartedly agree with the principles behind these sentiments, the practice of them, even in the Lord’s church, has never come easily. What are matters of faith and opinion to one individual or group is often quite different than what is considered to be so by another group. And there has often been anything but love, expressed towards one another by those on opposing sides.     Is there any way that we can know what are and are not matters of faith upon which our unity is built and maintained? How Do We know the Biblical Limits of Faith and Practice Beyond which We May not Go? While I wish there was, within the Bible, a concise list of all the things that we must believe, practice and teach, the reality is that it is not quite that simple. If we were looking for one place in the NT that provides us with insight into the principles upon which the Unity of the Christian Faith is built, Eph.4 would be that passage.     The Basis of this Series—Eph.4:4-6. It is here that Paul provides 7 Foundational Pillars that serve as the foundation of the Christian Faith. Any one of which removed will cause the entire structure to crumble. There is ONLY ONE Body, Spirit, Hope of Your Calling, Lord, Faith, Baptism and God the Father of All. Thus, if an individual or groups teachings conflict with one of the 7 principles found in our passage, unity is destroyed.     If one teaches that one religious group is as good as another, they are violating the teaching that there is only 1 Body. And this teaching would destroy the unity for which Christ prayed and died, thus making our walk unworthy of our calling. So our goal beginning this week, is to more fully understand the 7 Ones and specifically to understand the One Body, of which Paul speaks in Eph.4:4.

- Brian Mitchell served as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. Visit the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net