Preservation

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

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

One Faith : Part 1

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

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

One Faith: Part 2

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

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

One Faith: Part 3

By Clifton Angel

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

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

One Lord

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

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

Glory in the Highest to God

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

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

Exercise Wisdom with Benevolence

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

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

Having the Faith of Abraham

By David R. Ferguson     In Hebrews 11:8 [NAS] we read, “By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going.”     To this very day, Abraham is respected so highly that even his very name is considered synonymously with that of faith, for it is upon Abraham that God has bestowed the title of “the father of all who believe” in Romans 4:11 [NAS]. In speaking of the righteousness and faith of Abraham, the Apostle Paul states in Romans 4:10-12 [NAS], 10. How then was it reckoned? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; 11. and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be reckoned to them, 12. and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.     Abraham did as His Lord had commanded, and he went and dwelt in a land that was not his. It was by faith that he went there and lived. By faith it means he lived by the spoken word of God. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:7 and Romans 10:17 (NAS), 7. for we walk by faith, not by sight. 17. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.”     Abraham had been given a promise and, no doubt, he was encouraged greatly by that promise. He was willing to travel some 400 miles and dwell in tents in a temporary home in a strange land because the home he longed for and waited for was a home with foundations that could not be shaken. The Hebrews writer tells us in Hebrews 11:10 [NAS] concerning Abram’s great faith, “for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose Architect and Builder is God.”     As children of God we, too are heirs of this same promise. As Paul states in Galatians 3:27-29 [NAS], 27. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.     As heirs with Abraham may we, too, look forward to living in that city not made with hands!

- 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

Justification and Reconciliation Freely Given

By David R. Ferguson 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with gratitude, make your requests known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will protect your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 [MEV])     I’ve always heard it preached and taught that justification and reconciliation both occurred at the point of salvation, and for many years I believed this was true. But as the Apostle Paul says, “Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 [MEV]). Upon some further studying of my own, I have arrived at a different conclusion. Just as the grace of God is given to everyone unconditionally, so, too, it seems that justification and reconciliation are given to everyone unconditionally. But that doesn't mean that everyone is saved. We confuse grace with mercy all too often. Mercy is conditioned upon our willingness to come to God on His terms. Grace, however, is unconditional, and this can be seen in the following verse, as well as in Ephesians 2:8-9. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 [MEV]).     Just as God's grace and gift of His Son were given to us unconditionally while we were yet sinners, we also are justified and reconciled because of this gift. This seems to be brought out by Paul in the next verses. 9 How much more then, being now justified by His blood, shall we be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, how much more, being reconciled, shall we be saved by His life. 11 Furthermore, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through Whom we have now received reconciliation. (Romans 5:9-11 [MEV])     Paul says outright that we were reconciled by the death of Jesus Christ, and this occurred while we were still enemies of God. It was when Jesus shed His blood that Paul says we were justified. We shall be saved (future tense) by His life. We only put on Christ at baptism (Galatians 3:27), and it’s at this point that we receive the mercy of God, something that is conditional, and the forgiveness of sins. I know first-hand that these are difficult concepts for members of the church of Christ to grasp, but I believe they are true, nonetheless. God said it, I believe it, and that settles it. And this is something for which all of us who have been born again in Christ should be grateful, not only in this life, but throughout eternity as well! May God bless you and your family!

- 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 Conversion of a Former Sorcerer

By David R. Ferguson       The very fact that Simon the Sorcerer was converted to Christ should be cause for great celebration, for this shows us that no one is beyond the reach of our Lord. His blood is more powerful than our sins, and He’s more potent than our great accuser, Satan. He’s able to remove every sin that stains our soul. Even a man such as was Simon, a man who had dedicated his life to do the work of dark magic through the power and deceits of the Devil, is shown not to be beyond hope of redemption! That means most certainly that our sins aren’t going to keep us from salvation in Christ if we, too, as Simon did, convert and give our lives to the Lord in obedient, saving faith. Isn’t this the message found in the following words written by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:4-7 [ESV]? 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved – 6 and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.     There are many extra-biblical accounts that extrapolate upon this encounter between Simon the Sorcerer and the Apostle Peter and claim Simon and Peter became great enemies. They also claim that Simon became the forerunner to the Gnostic movement, one of the few named heresies in the New Testament. Are these true accounts of the subsequent life of Simon?     I believe those claims are mere fanciful imaginings that aren’t based in fact. Remember, Luke wrote through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and he makes absolutely no indication whatsoever that Simon continued in his errant ways once he was confronted by Peter.     Please note how Luke who, by any standard, is considered to be one of the greatest historians ever, one who was very careful in all of his details down to including the minutest of details, makes a point of telling his readers that this is how Simon USED to be. He uses past tense words and phrases such as was practicing, formerly, the people were giving him attention, and he had for a long time astonished the people. The fact that the Holy Spirit inspired Luke to state it was in the past that Simon had done these things should lay to rest any questions or doubts about whether or not Simon was indeed a baptized, true believer in Jesus Christ. It should lead any reasonable person to reject as fallacy any claims that Simon became an enemy of Peter and the church which Jesus created through the spilling of His blood and the giving of His life. May God bless you and your family!

- 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