Restoration of New Testament Order

**Acts 3 By Ron Thomas     In Acts 1 and 2 we learned the Lord’s authority given to the apostles and how on the day of Pentecost they preached the first sermon to a wandering crowd. Those who heard that message and obeyed the Lord’s commands were added to His church, thus three thousand were saved.     By the time we get to chapters 3 and 4, it is a bit uncertain whether the day in Acts 2 is continued into chapter 3 or a period of unspecified time has come and gone. Be that as it may, we can be sure that when Peter and John went into the Temple to pray, they saw a man in need of assistance. It was common for those in need to position themselves in such a way that others of a charitable disposition may give to those in need. Evidently, this act was a “meritorious act” that served each Jew’s desire to be pleasing to the Lord (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, revised).     Peter and John took advantage of the circumstances and preached to the lame man and to the larger crowd that Jesus, the one they crucified, was the Christ (anointed, Messiah), the Prince of Life Moses spoke about in Deuteronomy 18. When Peter told them what they needed to do, it was slightly different than what we read in Acts 2:38. Peter said, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus” (3:19-20, ESV).     How does this compare with Acts 2:38? The first thing to notice is that “believe,” or “faith” is not used in either chapter, but that does not suggest there no essentiality to the command to believe on the Lord Jesus. Second, the first words from Peter, in both cases, was “repent.” Here is a chart (not original with me).   2:38 Repent Baptized Forgiveness of sins Receive the Holy Spirit 3:19 Repent Be converted/turn back Sins may be blotted out Time of refreshing       As you look at the chart, notice the parallel. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change of behavior. Be converted or turn again is an action complementing a penitent attitude; baptism is required by the Holy Spirit to be saved (2:38; 22:16), but not apart from a penitent heart. The ESV reads “turn back” – how should we understand that? It means the people to whom Peter spoke were to turn back to God and identify themselves with His Son (Rom. 6:3-7). Note the consequence of repentance and turn again: one’s sins blotted out, which is another way of saying remission (forgiveness) of sins.     Look at the chart again. Did Peter give two different responses to how one is saved? He did not. He called on the people to repent, the turn again corresponds to baptism. “This verb describes the act of turning away from a way of life that is characterized by disobedience...” (Schnabel, p. 214). One turns away from a sinful life by being identified with the life of Jesus. “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. 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” (Romans 6:3-5).     Those who would foolishly argue that 3:19 does not stipulate baptism as a condition of salvation must do so in accordance with a denominational teaching, not anything as revealed in the New Testament. Moreover, they must still deal with 2:38 and 22:16, which does require baptism as a condition of salvation.     Let us get back to the New Testament and teach as the Bible teaches. - Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Restoration of New Testament Order

Acts 2 (2) By Ron Thomas     On the day of Pentecost, those who heard Peter’s message obeyed the Lord’s commands (repented and were baptized), what did they do next? In Acts 2:41, those who received the words of the apostles were added to them that were saved, that is, they were added to the church. The New Testament church, the one revealed in the pages of the New Testament, consisted only of those who were saved. There were no unsaved people in the Lord’s church at that time. From there we read, “... they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).     In addition to restoring the simple message of how one is saved, in Acts 2:42, one can understand what the church did in order to please the Lord. This is crucial to understand. There is an old saying that holds true even today. “If we do what they did, we will get what they got.” What does that mean? It means that if we follow the teachings of Scripture just as they did (not trying to justify ourselves in ways of thinking not revealed in Scripture), what the Christians of the first century received, we will receive the same, which is God’s favor (blessings) and salvation.     “And they continued steadfastly...” – This means those who love the Lord refuse to give up. There were (are) no opinions expressed by another person that supplanted anything of the Lord or became doctrinal tenets. There are no contradictory behaviors seen by a person who loves the Lord that will dissuade them (others) from turning away. Thus, the empty expression” “There are a bunch of hypocrites at that church” will always be empty and entirely useless of any substance.     “...in the apostles' teaching...” – This means that what the apostles taught, and only that which they taught, will be adhered to. There is no opinion of man worthy of equal status to apostolic teachings. The Lord’s apostle John wrote, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets are gone out into the world ... We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he who is not of God heareth us not. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:1, 6).     “...and fellowship...” – This means that when the saints have a meeting time, they will be present at those meeting occasions. There is a reason for this: it is not because “I have to,” but because “I would rather be no other place.” If they are on the road, they will find a location where the saints meet and worship/study with them. It is not a matter of church attendance; it is a matter of one’s desire to worship the Lord and be with the brethren.     “...in the breaking of bread...” – This means on the first day of every week the saints gather to observe the Lord's Supper. To observe (participate in) the Lord's Supper, one must be a Christian. As a Christian, the life lived is one of holiness. In the first century, the saints met on the first day of every week and did just this. They did not do this on Saturday, Tuesday, or any other day than the first day. Thus, we do not either.     “...and the prayers...” – As J. W. McGarvey wrote, “The prayers mentioned are those [that] there were offered in public.” This corresponds to the words of Paul, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV).     Let us stay with what the Bible teaches and not go beyond that which it expressly teaches.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Restoration of the New Testament Order

Acts 2 (1)

By Ron Thomas

    We have considered some pertinent points in Acts 1, now we want to consider some pertinent points in chapter 2 (which will be covered in 2 bulletin articles).

    Jesus told His disciples (apostles) to stay in Jerusalem until they received power from on High, that is, the gift of the Holy Spirit, which would guide them into all truth, bringing to their remembrance all things Jesus previously taught them. That day has now arrived, and the Jews recognized and celebrated it as the Day of Pentecost (50 days after the Passover celebration), or a celebration of their harvest. This was a significant event in the lives of the Jewish community. “At no other feast would there have been representatives of so many nations” (Ellicott).

    On this day, as the apostles were assembled, the Holy Spirit came upon them in the house they were sitting in (2:4; not the Temple). The noise of this got the attention of others around the home, perhaps even in the confines of the house / neighbor environment. What they heard was a confusing noise, something they did not understand, made more complicated with the many Jewish representatives from other nations hearing these men speaking languages not their own.

    As is not unusual, when there are some who do not understand, mockery follows. With the apostles speaking in dialects not of the Hebrew tongue (“tongues” means “language” in this context), people talked. When the wonderful works of God are spoken loudly and accurately, the devout listened; here is what they heard from Peter: 1) the words of the prophet Joel were fulfilled on this day, 2) Jesus, who once lived in their midst, was the reason for the prophetic words of Joel’s being fulfilled, 3) Jesus being the reason for the season (if you will), Peter said to those in Jerusalem they killed the Lord’s chosen, the Messiah, 4) crucifying the Lord’s anointed was in foretold with the prophetic words of David, 5) Jesus is both “Lord and Christ”.

    This did not fail to get the attention of a lot of people. Consequently, emotionally moved by the message, they asked Peter and the others what they needed to do to rid themselves of the guilt of killing the Lord’s Messiah. Peter’s answer was simple: submit yourselves to Him in repentance and identify with Jesus through baptism. This would result in receiving God’s seal, His Holy Spirit.

   Briefly, this is what this means/entails. Repentance: those who heard the Holy Spirit’s message must change their minds about how they live life. Those who identify with Jesus do so with a penitent heart, believing His message, trusting Him, and moving forward away from Judaism (and all other ideologies) when they are baptized (immersed) into the death, burial, and resurrection of life. Not doing that, they would not have identified with Jesus, thus, they would not have been saved by the blood of Christ, for in God’s command to be immersed, it was there He made sure the blood of Christ encountered their sins, washing them away.

    Holiness begins with Jesus, and a restored soul will make it his life also.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Restoration of the New Testament Order

Acts 1 By Ron Thomas     Before Jesus ascended to the glory (right hand) of the Father, He met with His apostles (eleven of them; Judas having already fallen from grace) in Jerusalem and told them to stay put until the promise He gave them arrived. His promise was a gift of the Holy Spirit that was extraordinary, called the baptism of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:5). This gift was to guide them into all truth, helping them to remember those things Jesus taught. This gift was exclusively to the apostles; it was not to any non-apostle. This is important to note.     After the Lord ascended, the Lord’s apostles gathered with the saints (unnumbered in v. 14; about 120 in v. 15) in prayer and praise. From amongst the brethren, they needed to have a replacement for Judas, who had a part in the apostolic ministry, but chose to go the way of the devil, killing himself and, thereby, giving himself no opportunity for repentance. The assembly that gathered had a role in this process; notice that in 1:23, the Bible reads, “And they proposed two: Joseph called Barsabbas....and Matthias” (NKJV).     Once the criteria were set forth, two men were chosen from the many. These men, as the apostles did, walked with Jesus. The criteria to be met was 1) male, 2) disciple of Jesus beginning as far back as Jesus’ baptism, 3) a witness of His resurrection, and, finally, he had to be 4), chosen by the Holy Spirit. Some assert there was only one requirement (witness of the resurrection), but this is a mistake because it was the Holy Spirit who set forth what was demanded.      With this before us, let us consider in brief some points of consideration/application. First, consider 1:3 and the term “infallible proofs” (NKJV). What should we understand by this? To begin, the Bible record is a historical book and one that can be tested concerning its accuracy. When Jesus walked, He presented a teaching unlike what the community expected and, knowing this, presented His credentials, attesting to the truthfulness of His message. In Matthew 9:8, the Scripture reads, “...when the multitudes saw it [healing of a paralyzed man], they were afraid, and glorified God, who had given such authority unto men” [Jesus].     Second, those chosen to preach the Gospel from Jerusalem were witnesses (1:8) unto Jesus’ life, teaching, death, and resurrection. They were in special position to speak on these things. Frequently, there are many in the religious world who speak of being a witness to Jesus. This can only apply in a different sense than what the apostles were witnesses to. No person had seen anything related to the life/death/resurrection of Jesus, though they can speak to how meaningful the teachings of Scriptures are to them, and in this sense, they are witnesses.     Third, there is a large number of people that have no concept of the Lord’s return (1:11), and the Judgment to follow. Paul writes, For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad. If people knew this and appreciated this, perhaps more lives would be changed.     Fourth (finally), the Lord knows the hearts of all (1.24). Just as He knew the hearts of those in Jerusalem, he knows our hearts even not. He knows what we think and why we think it. He knows what we will do, and why we do it. Whatever there is to know, He knows it. Rather impressive, if you ask me.

- Ron Thomas preaches for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com. Visit the congregation’s website at: https://www.churchofchristatriogrande.com

Can We Trust the Bible as the Word of God?

By Bob Prichard
    In an age when we have little to trust or rely upon, we may wonder if even the Bible can be trusted. There are many reasons, however, that we can trust the Bible as the word of God. First of all, we can trust the Bible because we trust God and it is God’s book, revealed to mankind, and in perfect harmony with His nature and character. “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Just as Jesus Christ, He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). What God has produced is true, perfect, and without change, in keeping with His character.    A second reason to trust the Bible is that we know it is inspired by God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Speaking of the inspired Bible writers, Peter said, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). The message of the biblical writers was not their own message, but the message of the will of God. Since the Bible is God’s inspired book, it is without error and absolutely trustworthy.    A third great reason we should trust the Bible is the vast number of New Testament manuscripts that have been discovered. More than 24,000 manuscripts or parts of manuscripts have been discovered, dating all the way back to the first century. The Dead Sea scrolls, discovered in 1947, included manuscripts of Old Testament books  dating from at least one hundred to one hundred and fifty years before Christ. As scholars began to study the scrolls, they sought to see how much the text of the Bible had changed over the centuries. What they found was that the ancient manuscripts were virtually identical to manuscripts of a thousand years later. Through the careful work of the copyists and the providence of God, the inspired text has been preserved over the centuries.    A fourth great reason to trust the Bible is the truly amazing fulfillment of prophecy within biblical history. This demonstrates clearly that God controlled the writing of the book.  The prophecies fulfilled in the life of Christ alone are enough to show the Bible to be the word of God. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), would be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12), would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and these are just a few examples of the many other events in the life of Christ which were prophesied. This would not have been possible if the Bible had not been inspired by God.    Since the Bible is trustworthy in these areas, we can know that is is trustworthy in other areas as well. The Bible is the one book that men can trust today. Any apparent contradictions come from our misunderstanding, not from actual problems within the Bible itself, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Can We Trust the Bible as the Word of God?

By Bob Prichard
    We must have a way to make choices and settle matters of difference in our religious practices. We cannot do this unless there is an accepted standard of authority. Authority means “the power or right to command or enforce obedience, to make final decisions, to have jurisdiction.” Authority is related to that which is lawful, or that which men are at liberty to do. Authority is important in all areas of life, but is nowhere more important than in the area of religious practice. What is authorized, or what is not authorized in the area of religion has eternal consequences. The best authority must be objective, rather than subjective. An objective authority is unchangeable, and thus provides a constant standard. A subjective authority is one that is changeable (often based on an individual’s opinion), so it cannot provide a real standard by which to measure.    In the realm of religion, there can be only one authority, and that is the Bible, the written word of God. It is the only acceptable authority because it is the only inspired authority. It is an objective authority because it is an unchanging authority, not subject to the whims of man. There are many other authorities sometimes followed in religion today, but they are not truly authoritative because they are subjective. Subjective authorities include the church, the pope, preachers, church leaders, and those claiming to receive modern day revelations. All of these “authorities” are changeable, and often disagree with one another, even in the most fundamental areas.    The Bible clearly claims for itself inspiration from God. As Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus was able to expound, or explain from the Old Testament [“Moses and all the Prophets”] its prophecies concerning Him. These were called “the scriptures,” meaning the written word of God. As Jesus prayed to the Father, concerning His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The word of God, because it is truth, provides an unchanging guide for life. Paul told Timothy, “scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” literally means “God breathed,” indicating that it comes directly from God through men.    Because the Bible is the only “God breathed” guide for the practice of religion today, it and it alone must be obeyed. Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians properly received his teachings. “Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Although we do not have Paul among us today, we have the written, authoritative record of his inspired teachings in the New Testament.    

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Serrefine

By Bob Prichard
    13-year-old Evan O’Dorney of Danville, CA took home the 2007 Scripps National Spelling Bee championship by spelling the medical term serrefine (small forceps). Spelling bees have been around since before we were children, but seem to be getting new life these days, with the finals of the spelling bee making prime time on ABC. I applaud this, because correct spelling is having a hard time competing with email and text messaging short cuts. [RU4it?]    Jesus commented about spelling: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18). The jot referred to is the Hebrew letter yod, the smallest letters in the alphabet. The tittle referred to a small marking that distinguished some Hebrew letters from others. Both served significant purposes for understanding, despite being very small.   Jesus stressed the importance of the law and obedience to it, and that His life and ministry would fulfill the law. His death brought reconciliation. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Ephesians 2:14-16).    “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:13-15). He fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law, just as He promised. His life and death spells hope for us—and that is a spelling bee we all need to win!

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Where do we Find Authority for our Religious Practices Today?

By Bob Prichard     We must have a way to make choices and settle matters of difference in our religious practices. We cannot do this unless there is an accepted standard of authority. Authority means “the power or right to command or enforce obedience, to make final decisions, to have jurisdiction.” Authority is related to that which is lawful, or that which men are at liberty to do. Authority is important in all areas of life, but is nowhere more important than in the area of religious practice. What is authorized, or what is not authorized in the area of religion has eternal consequences. The best authority must be objective, rather than subjective. An objective authority is unchangeable, and thus provides a constant standard. A subjective authority is one that is changeable (often based on an individual’s opinion), so it cannot provide a real standard by which to measure.     In the realm of religion, there can be only one authority, and that is the Bible, the written word of God. It is the only acceptable authority because it is the only inspired authority. It is an objective authority because it is an unchanging authority, not subject to the whims of man. There are many other authorities sometimes followed in religion today, but they are not truly authoritative because they are subjective. Subjective authorities include the church, the pope, preachers, church leaders, and those claiming to receive modern day revelations. All of these “authorities” are changeable, and often disagree with one another, even in the most fundamental areas.     The Bible clearly claims for itself inspiration from God. As Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus was able to expound, or explain from the Old Testament [“Moses and all the Prophets”] its prophecies concerning Him. These were called “the scriptures,” meaning the written word of God. As Jesus prayed to the Father, concerning His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The word of God, because it is truth, provides an unchanging guide for life. Paul told Timothy, “scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” literally means “God breathed,” indicating that it comes directly from God through men.     Because the Bible is the only “God breathed” guide for the practice of religion today, it and it alone must be obeyed. Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians properly received his teachings. “Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Although we do not have Paul among us today, we have the written, authoritative record of his inspired teachings in the New Testament.

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Values

By Bob Prichard     Doing some excavating on his North Carolina farm 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock. Three years later, in 1802, a Fayetteville jeweler offered him $3.50 for the rock. It tuned out that the rock was gold, and had a value of $3,600. This was the beginning of the Reed Gold Mine. In those three years before learning he had a large gold nugget, Reed had been using the rock as a doorstop.     Like Reed, we are often ignorant to the true value of things. We often place the greatest significance on the incidental and neglect the eternal. Not surprisingly, a death, an illness, or another tragedy often makes us stop and think and to consider what is really important.     In explaining to the Christians of Corinth the true meaning and place of spiritual gifts, Paul touched on this point. Though all parts of the body are important, we tend to place the greater emphasis on some parts to the neglect of others. “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).     As a simple comparison, in a week’s time, how does your time spent in grooming and caring spent in caring for the inner man? Paul prayed for Ephesians that God would grant them “according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). What is really valuable to you? Do you truly value the eternal over the temporal?

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Like a Fish Out of Water

By Glen Elliott       Every creature has an element in which it thrives. What is an ideal environment for one may not be for another (cf. Prov. 30:19). When we are uncomfortable in a particular environment, we feel like a fish out of water.     God is our ideal environment. He is the Giver of "every good and perfect gift" (Jas. 1:17). He created the world and set us in the beautiful, life-sustaining Garden of Eden to walk in sweet fellowship with Him. Sin interrupted our fellowship with God and brought death into the world (Gen. 2:16-17; 3:24; Rm. 5:12). What Satan touted as most desirable proved, instead, to be most uncomfortable. Instead of walking with God in the cool of the day, Adam and Eve hid themselves from Him. The presence of sin caused them to feel like a fish out of water in the presence of God.     But God set into motion His redemptive plan through which our Savior and Redeemer would recreate an environment in which reconciliation with God could become a present reality (Gen. 3:15; 2 Cor. 5:19). In Christ "we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses..." (Eph. 1:7). Jesus makes us comfortable in the presence of the Father because He has taken care of the problem of sin. We no longer feel like a fish out of water, but part of His family.     As we walk in the light of His word, we are recipients of "all spiritual blessings" and in Him, the perfect environment for living a full and abundant life (1 Jn. 1:7; Eph. 1:3; Jn. 10:10). In His presence, we no longer feel like a fish out of water; but as one who has found his or her ideal environment. As Paul so beautifully expressed it: "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Ph. 1:21).     Apart from Jesus, we are "without God" in this world (Eph. 2:12). In Christ, we have strong hope for life everlasting (Hb. 6:19; Tit. 1:2). In Him, there is life (1 Jn. 5:11-12). This is where we belong. This is why our loving Creator sent His Son into the world to pay the price for our sins (Jn. 3:16). By His grace, we belong in His presence and look forward to our journey to our eternal home where we will abide in the light of His glory forever (Jn. 14:1-3; Rev. 22:5).

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

“You Can’t Take It With You!”

By Glen Elliott       Nearing his death, Alexander the Great gave orders that he be buried with his hands empty, uncovered, and protruding outside the casket. Supposedly, he wanted others to know that he was leaving this world with nothing. The man who had conquered the world was leaving empty-handed. That’s a sobering thought for all who are caught up in accumulating material possessions! From what we read about Alexander’s latter years, it seems that his life had lost its purpose. With no more worlds to conquer, he left this life with empty hands and an empty heart. He had nothing left but an empty grave.     Alexander was right in his assertion that “You can’t take it with you!” The apostle Paul writes: “we brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either” (1 Tim. 6:7). Perhaps, you’ve heard of ancient Egyptians who were buried with their treasures in vast pyramids. The treasures of ancient pharaohs have long since been plundered. Their souls did not abide where their wealth had been buried. They couldn’t take their treasures with them because it simply cannot be done.     Christians do not take their treasures with them when they die; but send it on ahead while they are living. Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).     If Alexander had hoped in Christ, his hands may have yet been extended. Not as empty-handed, but as receiving that which has been promised -- an eternal treasure in heaven.

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Stand, Sing, and Soar

By Glen Elliott   “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He brought me out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay, and He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; many will see and fear and will trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:1-3).     Anyone who has slipped and fallen knows the value of standing on solid ground. One of the great promises of trusting God is that He will “set [our] feet upon a rock making [our] footsteps firm” (Psa. 40:2). With feet firmly planted, those who trust in the Lord have something to sing about -- a new song -- a song of praise to God -- a song capturing the attention of others who will, in turn, place their trust in the Lord as well (vs. 3).     A bird seems happiest when singing from its perch. I have never witnessed such a bird fall from its perch. I have, however, seen them, in midflight, crash into a window. The point is this: we are happiest when we make the Lord our trust (vs. 4) -- when we stand on the solid rock and sing His praises. But, when we leave our perch of safety, an inevitable crash will soon befall us.     Jeremiah rightly argued that it is not within us “to direct [our] own steps” (Jer. 10:23). We stand, but not without direction. We “walk by faith not by sight…” (2 Cor. 5:7). Taking up the armor of God, we must do “everything to stand firm” (Eph. 6:13). But, in standing firm, we move forward following Christ by standing strong on His teachings. There is a sequence to spiritual flight: stand, sing, and soar. None of this is possible without making the Lord our trust. “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary” (Isa. 40:31).

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Selfishness

By Glen Elliott       Selfishness is a leading cause of unhappiness. More and more, we are being led to believe that happiness is best secured by looking out for our own personal interests. Too many have traveled that lonely and desperate path never again to find the joy of giving and helping others simply because it is the thing which love demands.     Jesus came offering freedom. Such freedom is not found in the selfish pursuit of pleasure but in humble submission to the will of the Father. Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (Jn. 8:32). God’s truth reveals selfishness as a life of futility and hopelessness.     Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake shall find it” (Matt. 16:25). True life is found only as we lose ourselves in service to Christ. Serving God and others gives us a sense of purpose. Serving our own selfish desires results in disappointment because we can never get enough of the things we want to satisfy the cravings of the flesh. In Matthew sixteen, Jesus went on to ask, “For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul” (vs. 25).     If your life is geared only toward the “here and now”, what will be your hope on the day of eternity? Power, prestige, and possessions can never take the place of commitment to God and loving service to those around us. The apostle Paul reminds us to “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself…” (Ph. 2:3). Try it. You’ll be immediately impressed with the results.

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/*

The Spirit of Non-Retaliation

By Glen Elliott       In one of several statements designed to draw a contrast between His own teachings and what the people had heard from the Law of Moses, Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘And eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you” (Mt. 5:38-42). The overtone of this section of the Sermon on the Mount has been rightly called “the spirit of non-retaliation.”     “An eye or an eye and a tooth for a tooth” is a phrase often quoted even by those who know very little of the Bible. The statement is found three times in the Old Testament. Once as a penalty for causing a miscarriage (Ex. 21:24). Another time in reference to injuring a neighbor (Lev. 24:20). And, finally, as a consequence for bearing false testimony in a court of law (Dt. 19:21). In all three cases, the penalty was to be carried out after judicial proceedings.     Several important details are overlooked when a Christian decides to live by this philosophy. First, the “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” philosophy is part of the Law of Moses, a law that is no longer in force; but has been nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14). Getting even with our enemies under the guise of following God’s word is a misconceived idea. We cannot pick and choose from the Old Testament those things we would like to have included in the New Testament (Jas. 2:10; Gal. 5:4).     A second problem associated with living by an “eye for an eye” code of conduct is that it overlooks the purpose behind the law in the first place. The law was in place for the purpose of providing an equitable system of judicial justice. It was designed to prevent escalation of violence, hatred, and vigilante justice.     On a personal level, Jesus went on to cite several examples of how this principle of non-retaliation works -- examples that relate to such things as turning the other cheek and being asked to go the second mile. While following Jesus is a deeper, richer life; it is often a more challenging life as well.

- Glen Elliott preaches for the Greenbrier church of Christ in Greenbrier, AR. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://www.gbcofc.com/

Library Inspiration

By Bob Prichard

Two huge stone lions sit outside the New York public library.   Mayor Fiorello La Guardia named them “Patience” and “Fortitude,” during the midst of the Great Depression, to let New Yorkers know that they could survive the economic disaster.      Patience is key in running the Christian race.  Hebrews 12:1-2 urges, “Seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”     Fortitude is “strength of mind that allows one to endure pain or adversity with courage.” This is what Paul spoke of when he said “we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:3-5).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Can We Trust the Bible as the Word of God?

By Bob Prichard     In an age when we have little to trust or rely upon, we may wonder if even the Bible can be trusted. There are many reasons, however, that we can trust the Bible as the word of God. First of all, we can trust the Bible because we trust God and it is God’s book, revealed to mankind, and in perfect harmony with His nature and character. “God is not a man, that he should lie” (Numbers 23:19). Just as Jesus Christ, He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). What God has produced is true, perfect, and without change, in keeping with His character.     A second reason to trust the Bible is that we know it is inspired by God. Paul wrote to Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). Speaking of the inspired Bible writers, Peter said, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). The message of the biblical writers was not their own message, but the message of the will of God. Since the Bible is God’s inspired book, it is without error and absolutely trustworthy.     A third great reason we should trust the Bible is the vast number of New Testament manuscripts that have been discovered. More than 24,000 manuscripts or parts of manuscripts have been discovered, dating all the way back to the first century. The Dead Sea scrolls, discovered in 1947, included manuscripts of Old Testament books  dating from at least one hundred to one hundred and fifty years before Christ. As scholars began to study the scrolls, they sought to see how much the text of the Bible had changed over the centuries. What they found was that the ancient manuscripts were virtually identical to manuscripts of a thousand years later. Through the careful work of the copyists and the providence of God, the inspired text has been preserved over the centuries.     A fourth great reason to trust the Bible is the truly amazing fulfillment of prophecy within biblical history. This demonstrates clearly that God controlled the writing of the book.  The prophecies fulfilled in the life of Christ alone are enough to show the Bible to be the word of God. The Old Testament prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), would be sold for thirty pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12-13), would be crucified with criminals (Isaiah 53:12), would be buried in a rich man’s tomb (Isaiah 53:9), and these are just a few examples of the many other events in the life of Christ which were prophesied. This would not have been possible if the Bible had not been inspired by God.     Since the Bible is trustworthy in these areas, we can know that is is trustworthy in other areas as well. The Bible is the one book that men can trust today. Any apparent contradictions come from our misunderstanding, not from actual problems within the Bible itself, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Corinthians 14:33).

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Serrefine

By Bob Prichard       13-year-old Evan O’Dorney of Danville, CA took home the 2007 Scripps National Spelling Bee championship by spelling the medical term serrefine (small forceps). Spelling bees have been around since before we were children, but seem to be getting new life these days, with the finals of the spelling bee making prime time on ABC. I applaud this, because correct spelling is having a hard time competing with email and text messaging short cuts. [RU4it?]     Jesus commented about spelling: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:17-18). The jot referred to is the Hebrew letter yod, the smallest letters in the alphabet. The tittle referred to a small marking that distinguished some Hebrew letters from others. Both served significant purposes for understanding, despite being very small.    Jesus stressed the importance of the law and obedience to it, and that His life and ministry would fulfill the law. His death brought reconciliation. “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Ephesians 2:14-16).     “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it” (Colossians 2:13-15). He fulfilled every jot and tittle of the law, just as He promised. His life and death spells hope for us—and that is a spelling bee we all need to win!

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Where do we Find Authority for our Religious Practices Today?

By Bob Prichard       We must have a way to make choices and settle matters of difference in our religious practices. We cannot do this unless there is an accepted standard of authority. Authority means “the power or right to command or enforce obedience, to make final decisions, to have jurisdiction.” Authority is related to that which is lawful, or that which men are at liberty to do. Authority is important in all areas of life, but is nowhere more important than in the area of religious practice. What is authorized, or what is not authorized in the area of religion has eternal consequences. The best authority must be objective, rather than subjective. An objective authority is unchangeable, and thus provides a constant standard. A subjective authority is one that is changeable (often based on an individual’s opinion), so it cannot provide a real standard by which to measure.     In the realm of religion, there can be only one authority, and that is the Bible, the written word of God. It is the only acceptable authority because it is the only inspired authority. It is an objective authority because it is an unchanging authority, not subject to the whims of man. There are many other authorities sometimes followed in religion today, but they are not truly authoritative because they are subjective. Subjective authorities include the church, the pope, preachers, church leaders, and those claiming to receive modern day revelations. All of these “authorities” are changeable, and often disagree with one another, even in the most fundamental areas.     The Bible clearly claims for itself inspiration from God. As Jesus appeared to the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, “beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself” (Luke 24:27). Jesus was able to expound, or explain from the Old Testament [“Moses and all the Prophets”] its prophecies concerning Him. These were called “the scriptures,” meaning the written word of God. As Jesus prayed to the Father, concerning His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). The word of God, because it is truth, provides an unchanging guide for life. Paul told Timothy, “scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The word “inspiration” literally means “God breathed,” indicating that it comes directly from God through men.

    Because the Bible is the only “God breathed” guide for the practice of religion today, it and it alone must be obeyed. Paul was thankful that the Thessalonians properly received his teachings. “Ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Although we do not have Paul among us today, we have the written, authoritative record of his inspired teachings in the New Testament.

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.

Values

By Bob Prichard     Doing some excavating on his North Carolina farm 1799, Conrad Reed discovered a strange rock. Three years later, in 1802, a Fayetteville jeweler offered him $3.50 for the rock. It tuned out that the rock was gold, and had a value of $3,600. This was the beginning of the Reed Gold Mine. In those three years before learning he had a large gold nugget, Reed had been using the rock as a doorstop.     Like Reed, we are often ignorant to the true value of things. We often place the greatest significance on the incidental and neglect the eternal. Not surprisingly, a death, an illness, or another tragedy often makes us stop and think and to consider what is really important.     In explaining to the Christians of Corinth the true meaning and place of spiritual gifts, Paul touched on this point. Though all parts of the body are important, we tend to place the greater emphasis on some parts to the neglect of others. “Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:22-25).     As a simple comparison, in a week’s time, how does your time spent in grooming and caring for the body compare to the time spent in caring for the inner man? Paul prayed for Ephesians that God would grant them “according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man” (Ephesians 3:16). What is really valuable to you? Do you truly value the eternal over the temporal?

- Bob Prichard serves as an elder and evangelist for the Hillview Church of Christ in Birmingham, Alabama, since 2016. In his forty-five years of preaching he has served churches in Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama.