CAN I MAKE A RECOMMENDATION?

By Rick McCurdy

So, you hear that a friend or co-worker is headed to a city/country that you have visited. What do you do? Of course, you begin to give recommendations of things to see and places to eat. Maybe you even offer a few warnings of things to avoid. Do you do this because you are a self-righteous know-it-all who must always be telling people what to do? Of course not! You do it because you want the other person to have the best possible outcome during their upcoming venture. Do they think you are being overbearing and judgmental? Of course not! They appreciate your input and will keep it in mind during their upcoming venture.

What if a friend or coworker stated that they were looking for a movie to see or a book to read? What would you do? Obviously, you would give recommendations based upon what you know about the other person. You might even query them to ascertain what they are looking for in said move/book experience, to better advise them. Again, will they feel put upon by your recommendations? Will you be perceived as a power-hungry dictator? No, you will be thanked for your input, which they might very well heed.

Brethren, we are possessors of the most powerful thing in the universe. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Rom. 1:16). It also happens to be the most sought-after thing in all the universe, even if most won’t acknowledge it. Knowing this, how ought we to approach those around us in the world? Might we be so bold as to make a recommendation or two, here and there?

We must know what we would share. We must be able to convey the good news, emphasizing what makes it so “good”. We must love it so much that it is obvious. We must not be afraid to speak the truth of eternity, for all will face it. We must make the effort to get to know the people around us and not just shovel seed onto wayside/rocky soil. That takes time and effort. Consider the recommendation of our Lord, “’You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 22:39-40). That brings us to the next point.

We must care enough to dare (to make recommendations). Might the people we speak to think we are one of “those” people? Yes, they might. Are we ashamed of the gospel? Aren’t we one of those (His) people? Might the people we speak to be mean to us and sever our relationship? It’s possible. If we do it from love it would seem less likely, but even if it does come to pass isn’t that exactly what our Lord said and suffered?

Remember the rich man from Luke 16? Finding himself in torments he begged Abraham to send anyone to his brothers on earth “lest they come to this place of torment”. Every person we encounter, more than likely, has a deceased relative in that very position with that very desire. Here we are, with the power of God to salvation. Will we make a recommendation?

One Step at a Time

Paul wrote: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:16-17).

Application: there is no obstacle (failing) in one's spiritual or moral life the message of hope can't overcome. The only reason for a continued failing in both these areas is because a person chooses not to obey Jesus as Lord (cf. Luke 6:46). The simplicity of this remark does not overlook one psychological, self-imposed barrier, it only looks at the ease of the Lord’s invitation given to us (cf. Matthew 11:28-30).

Righteousness is not what obstacle or mountain a person can avoid or climb as he or she moves in the right direction, but one's trust in the Lord, one step taken at a time, reliance on Him that is greater than all.

Begin with answering this question: What must I do to be saved? The answer: believe on the Lord Jesus and be saved; repent and be baptized for the remission of sins, and one receives the gift of the Holy Spirit, God's seal unto the day of redemption. This is (1) a response of the heart, (2) an action of the will, (3) and the result of both. RT

Ron Thomas preaches for the church of Christ at Rio Grande (Ohio). He can be reached at etsop95@gmail.com  

The Gospel of Isaiah

By David R. Ferguson     I’m sure every one of you have heard of the four gospels, The Gospel of Matthew, The Gospel of Mark, The Gospel of Luke, and The Gospel of John. But believe it or not, it really is true that there was another gospel account of the life and death of our Lord and our Savior Jesus Christ. As amazing and as wonderful as Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are, this additional gospel of Jesus Christ is arguably even more amazing, for it was written 750 years before Jesus was born! You heard me correctly. There’s a prophetical book in the Old Testament that’s so declarative, so prescient, and so detailed regarding the coming life, mission and death of Jesus that it rightfully can be called The Gospel of Isaiah.     Many people are familiar with Isaiah Chapter 53 and its graphic description of a suffering Messiah, and we’ll be spending much of our time in it this morning, but that’s not the only place in Isaiah Jesus’ life is so vividly portrayed. Isaiah is chockfull of messages regarding our Savior, and Jesus had to fulfil every single one of these. And that’s absolutely what He did.     As was mentioned earlier, this book was written some 750 years before Christ came into this world as a Baby born of the Virgin Mary. Think about that for as moment. Just how difficult was this going to be for Jesus to fulfill a prophecy that demanded He be born of a virgin! You can search everywhere but you won’t find predictions about anyone else who was to bring us to God who was going to be born of a virgin. In fact, there are many religions around the world, but not a single one of them had anything written about their leaders before they were born. Not a single one. All other religions were manmade. Mohammad, Confucius, Buddha or any other man or being were self-proclaimed by man. They have nothing written about their coming as God with man. Only Jesus fits this bill, and only Jesus was spoken of even before He was born.     The elements of the gospel of Jesus Christ were foretold by Old Testament Prophets. It was prophesied that there would be the coming of the Messiah. Concerning the establishment of His coming Kingdom, much was written. It was this fact of the establishment of a coming Kingdom that the Jews at the time of Christ grasped onto the most, and pictured in their minds that the much anticipated and longed for Messiah would be a great warrior King like David of old who would overthrow militarily the yokes of the Roman Empire that had enslaved them, and this warrior King would establish a new Israel who would rule the world from Jerusalem. But what God had in mind, and what the expectations are of what man desires, rarely, if ever, are the same thing.

- 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 Hidden Gospel (Part 1)

By Clifton Angel   "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent" (Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21). These are the words of Jesus, uttered in public prayer, on at least two occasions. At the heart of the contexts of both occasions was the good news that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God—the world's only Savior. Luke says He "rejoiced in spirit" (Luke 10:21) as He praised God in prayer. Why would Jesus be joyful and thankful that the Father restricted the gospel from some?    The Father's hiding of the gospel should not be understood as He kept some from the opportunity to hear it. I submit that the "wise and prudent" of Jesus' day not only audibly heard the gospel, but they visually saw it. Yes, the scribes, Pharisees, and scholars in the Mosaic law audibly heard the good news of Jesus, but the majority of them did not receive what was said. They visually saw Jesus in the flesh, they saw the miracles He performed, and the miracles of His disciples, but they did not recognize what was right in front of their eyes. Sellers S. Crain, Jr. wrote, "The contrast between the wise and intelligent and infants is not really that of intelligence, but of attitude; it is the difference between those who rely on themselves and those who rely on God" (Truth For Today Commentary: Matthew 1–13, pp. 385–386). They were deafened and blinded by their own pride. In another place, Jesus said of these types of people, "They seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand" (Matthew 13:13).    The scribes, Pharisees, and Mosaic law scholars were very intelligent. Many of them had tremendous knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures, but when it came to applica-tion and teaching, pride intervened. What many call "The Sermon on the Mount"—Matthew 5:1–7:29—was not some new teaching in contrast to the Old Testament. Rather, it was the correct teachings and applications of principles in the old law (which principles are now a part of the New Testament because of Jesus' teaching of them) because religious leaders in Jesus' day had misused and misapplied them (see Matthew 5:17–20).    If space would allow, we could consider the "wise and prudent" of Paul's day, such as those he encountered in Athens (Acts 17:16–33), or those he had to deal with in Corinth (see 1 & 2 Corinthians), or those he had to refute in the region of Colossae (see Colossians). Who are the "wise and prudent" of our day? We could spend time naming prominent faiths which misuse and misapply the gospel. We could spend time naming popular false teachers who misuse and misapply the gospel. But for the sake of space, let's each ask ourselves, "Have I allowed my 'wisdom' and 'intelligence' to get in the way of truly hearing the gospel?"

- 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/

Hidden Gospel (Part 2)

By Clifton Angel     "I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes" (Matt 11:25; Luke 10:21). Again, this is a public prayer of Jesus on at least two occasions. At the heart of these contexts was the good news that Jesus was the Messiah—the world's only Savior. Last week, we noted how God’s message was hidden from some who were blinded by their own pride. Now, let us consider those to whom it was revealed.     “Thou...hast revealed them unto babes.” Those who received God's revelation were not literal infants. Rather, they were lower on the "totem pole" of society in Jesus' day. Who were these "babes" who were recipients of the revelation of the gospel?     Peter, Andrew, James, and John were commercial fishermen. Such a tasking position made them "infants" in the eyes of the Jewish elite. Example: Peter and John were "perceived" to be "unlearned and ignorant men" by the Jewish rulers, elders, scribes, and priests (Acts 4:1–13).     Matthew, also bearing the name Levi, was a tax collector. In the United States, we know tax collectors as the IRS. While tax collection has always caused animosity from many of those being taxed, Matthew's position brought far greater hostility. In the eyes of the Jews, he was a traitor and a sinner. He was taking money from God’s people and giving it to an ungodly tyranny. Tax collectors were often grouped with prostitutes, indicating their moral destitution in the eyes of the Jews. Luke tells us that when Matthew began to follow Jesus, he made a great feast for Jesus, his disciples, and other tax collectors. The scribes and Pharisees "murmured" at Jesus' disciples, asking, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" (Luke 5:27–30).     As we previously cited, "The contrast between the wise and intelligent and infants is not really that of intelligence, but of attitude; it is the difference between those who rely on themselves and those who rely on God" (Truth For Today Commentary: Matthew 1–13, pp. 385–386). Disciples like Luke and Paul are testimonies to this fact. They were highly educated and intelligent. Luke was a physician (Col 4:14). Paul’s education has been likened to multiple doctorates in theology (Acts 22:3; Phil 3:4–7). However, their humility led to their reception of God's glorious gospel message.     Maybe you are thinking you could never be good enough to be a recipient of the saving gospel. Maybe you are thinking you have committed too many sins to be saved. Maybe you are thinking you are not smart enough to teach others God's saving message. You are precisely the person Jesus wants to save and to whom He has revealed the gospel. Will you allow us to help you follow Jesus?

- 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/

Hidden Gospel (Part 3)

By Clifton Angel   From Matthew 11:25–30 and Luke 10:21–24, we've noted how that God’s good news is hidden from those who are not willing to hear and receive it, and it is revealed to those are humble enough to hear and received it. Continuing a little further into the same text of Scripture, let us consider some fundamental principles of God’s good news revealed to man. Jesus said, "All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him" (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22).   First, God's revelation can only originate with God. Jesus said, “All things are delivered unto me of my Father” (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22). The revelation that Jesus was the Christ—the Savior of the world—and that His disciples' teachings were confirmed by miracles all originated from God. Yet, many claim to have revelation and power that God has not given them.   Second, Jesus is Deity. "And no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son." Jesus was reiterating the fact that He is the Son of God—God in the flesh (see also-John 1:1–3, 14). This is absolutely fundamental to the gospel, as it is the foundation of the gospel being good news.   Third, we can only know God if we know Jesus. "Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him” (Matt 11:27; Luke 10:22).   Fourth, we can only know Jesus if we know His Word. "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matt 11:28–30). The "yoke" mentioned here is teaching. Therefore, we must look to Jesus' teachings so that we may "learn of" Him and know Him.   What a blessing to have God's revelation written down for us to read! As we consider these fundamental principles of the good news of Jesus Christ, let us answer the questions of the refrain of a hymn co-authored by Vep Ellis and W.F. Lakey: "Do you know my Jesus? Do you know my friend? Have you heard, He loves you, and that He will abide 'til the end?” What is your response to these questions?

- 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/

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/

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/

A Mistake With Deadly Consequences

 

By David Bragg       On June 29, 2024, BBC News reported a tragic incident involving four Sri Lankan fishermen who died after consuming liquid from unlabeled bottles they found floating in the ocean (Aleks Phillips, BBC News). Their fishing boat, the Devon, was operating over 300 miles off the coast of Sri Lanka when they discovered the bottles. Mistaking the contents for alcohol, they drank the liquid and shared it with other fishing crews in the area. As of the reporting time, in addition to the four deaths, two other fishermen were critically ill from the unidentified liquid. This tragic mistake had deadly consequences.     This story, while heartbreaking, serves as a powerful metaphor for the false and misleading information about the New Testament’s teachings on salvation that circulates in the religious world. Just as the fishermen were unaware of the danger in the bottles, many people are unaware of the spiritual dangers in the various doctrines presented by different denominations. How can one discern which teachings are safe to follow?     The answer lies in adhering to and teaching the plan of salvation that has Jesus’ “seal of approval.” When scriptures are “properly divided” (2 Tim. 2:15), it becomes clear that New Testament baptism (immersion) is the act through which one’s sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Salvation today is only found by joining in Jesus’ death (Rom. 6:1-3; 1 Pet. 3:21). To consume any other gospel is to make a mistake of eternal consequences (Gal. 1:8-9).

- David Bragg is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through his blog: http://davidbragg.blogspot.com/

Putting Pieces of the Puzzle Together

By Bill Brandstatter     I used to like putting together jigsaw puzzles. I haven’t done any in recent years. I need to get back to doing them. Now I do a lot of crossword puzzles. Both the crossword and jigsaw puzzles can be solved by putting together pieces. With a crossword puzzle the down clues help with the across clues. With jigsaw puzzles I start with the border and work from there. Then I look for shape and color connections. I have to find the right connection to get the solution or the shape I am wanting. Bible subjects are connected. There is an expression that holds true in solving some “puzzles” in our lives. The expression is: “Two things connected to the same thing are connected to each other.” For example, if I were to tell you that all cars in the parking lot are blue. Then I told you that my car is in the parking lot. You would know without me specifically telling you that my car is blue. The Bible works in much the same way.     The Bible tells us that baptism saves us (1 Pet. 3:21). Yet, many will go to passages like John 3:16 and state that all you have to do is believe. Others might look at Eph. 2:5 and say we are saved by grace alone. Yet, when pieces are connected a clearer picture is seen and the puzzle is put together. God’s grace was seen when Jesus died on the cross for our sins (2 Cor. 8:9; Eph. 2:8, 9; Titus 2:11, 12). Without the grace of God no one could be saved. We are saved by grace. Now let us connect some other pieces.     Jesus said His blood was shed for the remission of sins (Mt. 26:28). Yet Peter said on Pentecost that those believing Jews who had listened needed to “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.”(Acts 2:38) The wording of “remission of sins” is identical in both the statement of Jesus and that of Peter. Who is correct? Does the blood of Christ forgive our sins or does baptism? They are connected. The way I come in contact with the blood of Christ is by being baptized in water. We can further connect two more puzzle pieces. We are washed from our sins in the blood of Christ ( Rev. 1:5). Saul of Tarsus, while praying, was told by Ananias to “Arise and be baptize and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”(Acts 22:16) So again, if we connect these two statements which are similar with the term “wash away sins”, we learn that baptism puts us into the blood of Christ which washes away our sins. When a person comes in contact with the blood of Christ, God’s grace is accepted and received. That happens when a person is baptized to have his or her sins forgiven which puts that person into contact with the saving blood of Christ.     Let us make sure we always put the pieces together correctly. Then the puzzle will be revealed, and all can see it plainly (2 Tim. 2:15). Belief is the first step toward salvation, but it is not the last. I must believe in God (Heb. 11:6). I must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (John 8:24; Acts 8:37). I must repent of sins (Acts 17:30). I also must confess Christ (Rom. 10:9, 10). Then, I need to be baptized (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Salvation is a puzzle that must be put together properly. If the pieces are out of place, salvation will not happen as God intends. If the pieces are in their proper place and all together, a beautiful picture results: God’s plan to save man.

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

The Gospel: He is Risen

By Andrew Beasley     One of the hymns that has commonly been sung in the church over the last century is titled The Gospel is for All. Paul declared that the Gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16). It, like Christianity, is founded on the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matt. 16:18) and is empowered by His resurrection. Without the resurrection Christians are called the most pitiable (1 Cor. 15:19). But because of His resurrection the Gospel is given incomprehensible power.     Understanding the Gospel begins with understanding the significance of the resurrection. Because of the power that our God has over the grave, as put on display in the resurrection of Christ, we have hope that our physical life is not the end. That is the good news. That Christ brought salvation to man and provided security for the inheritance that is waiting for us. Without the resurrection, we have no reason to have hope in either of those things. Yet because of the resurrection, both salvation and our inheritance in heaven are promised to those who faithfully follow him.

- Andrew Beasley serves as a minister with the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://nwchurchofchrist.com/about/

What Must I Do To Be Saved

 

By Bob Prichard          We can ask no more important question than “What must I do to be saved?”      Each of us will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and we are responsible for obeying the Lord.      Salvation has two parts: God’s part and man’s part. God, because of His great love for mankind, has done His part in sending Christ to die for the sins of men. “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Paul calls this grace the gift of God (Ephesians 2:8). We cannot save ourselves and must rely on God through faith. “Through faith” means that man must also do his part, because no one benefits from a gift until he receives it.      To find what man’s part in the plan of salvation involves, one must go to the right place. The book of Acts explains God’s plan of salvation through nine specific accounts of conversion: The conversion of the Jews at Pentecost, chapter 2; the Samaritans, chapter 8; the Ethiopian eunuch, chapter 8; Saul of Tarsus, chapters 9 and 22; Cornelius, chapter 10; Lydia, chapter 16; the Philippian jailer, chapter 16; the Corinthians, chapter 18; the Ephesians, chapter 19. In each example, certain common actions, or steps of obedience, were taken by those who became Christians.      Upon hearing the gospel message, each believed in Jesus as the Son of God. Though the text does not explicitly mention belief each time, it is implied. The Jews at Pentecost, having heard the message, “were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’” (Acts 2:37). Their question “What shall we do?” showed that they believed, but they realized that they needed to do more than have simple belief to obtain salvation. James wrote, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only” (James 2:24).      Following their confession of faith in Christ, Peter told the Jews at Pentecost, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Thus we understand that repentance must accompany faith in Christ.     One must also confess faith in Christ, as the Ethiopian did (Acts 8:37), because Christ will not confess us unless we are willing to confess Him. “Whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32–33).      Baptism is the only step toward salvation explicitly mentioned in every conversion. Each account shows that baptism is necessary for obedience to Christ. Hearing the gospel message, believing in Christ, repenting of past sins, confessing Christ, and being baptized into Christ makes one a Christian, and brings salvation. Then one must serve the Lord faithfully (Revelation 2:10).

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.

A Just Balance

 

By Clifton Angel     In the midst of a painful grief that I cannot fathom, Job proclaimed to his accusing friends, "Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity" (Job 31:6). Many of us have seen the balances, or scales, of old that were used in many areas of industry, medicine, and commerce. On one side of the scale is the product to be weighed or measured. On the other side of the scale are the proper standard weights to be placed. It was sometimes possible for dishonest merchants to produce or obtain weights which were actually less than their labeled amount. This would mean the customer would get much less product for his money, and the seller would have a dishonest profit.     The illustration of such a balance was often used in judging the character or heart of an individual. For example Solomon wrote, "A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight" (Proverbs 11:1). Furthermore, he wrote, "Divers weights are an abomination unto the LORD; and a false balance is not good" (Proverbs 20:23), and "A just weight and balance are the LORD’S: all the weights of the bag are his work" (Proverbs 16:11).     As I ponder the justice, righteousness, and holiness of God, I am reminded of my imperfection and past sins. I tremble at the thought of confidently saying the same words that Job said, "Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity" (Job 31:6), because I know in a just balance, I will never measure up. But then, I am reminded of the precious blood of Jesus: the one thing that can take away my sins; the one thing that can make me whole again; the one thing that makes it possible for me to stand confidently in the "even balance" of God, that He may know my (Jesus') integrity.     Why would I not want to be in contact with that blood? Why would I not do whatever it takes to follow Him with all my heart and obey His every command (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; Hebrews 5:9)? Are you in contact with Jesus' blood (Revelation 1:5; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3–4;1 John 1:7–9)?

- 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

What Does It Profit A Man?

 

By David R. Ferguson     I know of a man who as a child was stunned while he was watching a television show involving a man making a deal with the Devil. In this program, a down and out man traded his eternal soul for a million dollars. This man I know just couldn’t believe as a child that anyone would do such a thing willingly. The Devil Went Down to Georgia was a huge hit for the Charlie Daniels Band back in 1979, and it tells the tale of the Devil going down to Georgia to look for a soul to steal. He enters into an agreement with a boy named Johnny over which one of the two of them is the best fiddle player, and if Johnny wins, he gets to keep the golden fiddle the Devil plays. But if the Devil wins, he gets to keep his golden fiddle...AND Johnny’s soul. In the end, Johnny wins the contest, and he gets to keep his soul. He also gets to keep the shiny fiddle made of gold.     One of my favorite short stories I read as a youth was The Devil and Daniel Webster authored by Stephen Vincent Benét. This story, published in 1937, is a retelling of the tale of Faust, as was the TV show I watched as a child as well as The Devil Went Down to Georgia. According to German legend, Faust was a scholar who was highly successful, yet very dissatisfied with his life. His dissatisfaction put him on a pathway to the Devil whom he meets, and they entered into a pact whereby Faust exchanges his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.     Benet's version of the story centers on a New Hampshire farmer by the name of Jabez Stone who, plagued with unending bad luck, is approached by the Devil under the name of Mr. Scratch. Under the guise of Mr. Scratch, the Devil offers Jabez Stone seven years of prosperity in exchange for his soul. At the end of the seven-year agreement, Mr. Scratch returns to claim the soul of Jabez Stone. However, Jabez had secured the help of Daniel Webster, a fictional version of the famous lawyer and orator and early American statesman, who defended Jabez Stone in front of a judge and jury of the damned, and his case was won and Stone kept his soul.     All of these remind me of a passage of Scripture found in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus Christ asks in Mark 8:36-37, 36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul? 37 For what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”     In these three examples, it was a million dollars, a golden fiddle, and good luck and prosperity. Since then, I have witnessed all kinds of people forfeiting their souls for a lot less, usually trying to achieve their fifteen minutes of fame. The basic principle of being a disciple of Jesus is that of self-denial, and forfeiting our Earthly, carnal pleasures of life. When we focus on Jesus and the eternal things He has to offer, it will help us forfeit anything that will keep us from enjoying those eternal blessings. 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

A Time To Hear The Gospel

By Dan C. Bailey     Our gospel meeting seeks to bring salvation to all. The gospel needs to be preached. The gospel needs to be heard. The gospel needs to be obeyed. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Romans 1:16). "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?" (Romans 10:16).     Let us invite the community to hear God's message of salvation. It is the most important message of all. It is the only true message of hope, the only true message of forgiveness, the only true message which ultimately leads to heaven. Jesus said, "...I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).     Today is the first day of our gospel meeting. We are so blessed to live in "the land of the free and the home of the brave." We thank God for all who have sacrificed so much in order that we might be free to worship God according to the Bible and our conscience.     Sadly, some do not avail themselves of their precious freedom. They either refuse to do so or neglect to do so. Jesus said, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:23-24).     God seeks true worshippers. God is pleased when hearts honor, revere, and glorify Him. "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him" (Psalm 89:7).     John the Baptist said of Jesus: "... Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29). God the Father said of Jesus, "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him" (Matthew 17:5).     Let us attend each and every service of the gospel meeting. And let us invite our neighbors and friends to hear the true word of God. Remember to pray each and every day for a successful gospel meeting. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief" (I Timothy 1:15).

- Dan C. Bailey serves as a minister with the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol, VA. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.thelordsway.com/statestreetchurchofchrist/framedindex.asp?Group=Home

Frustration and Faith

By Brian Mitchell       We can learn something about faith if we see the full dimensions of the emphasis on "things not seen." This is not a very popular part of Christianity because we would like to have assurances each day that faith "works." Some people seek these assurances in the form of economic benefits. Thus, we are told that faith produces dividends in the form of new jobs, great bargains, and improved social life. For others, the constant assurances come in the form of peace of mind and in the absence of frustration and suffering. While it is true that there is "joy in believing" there is something very faithless about building our faith on tangible assurances.     In Hebrews, faith can involve both frustration and suffering because it rests on "things not seen." The author indicates the frustration of faith twice in chapter 11. In verse 13, he summarizes the experience of all of the heroes of faith. "All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, . ." In verse 39, after surveying history, the author says, "And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised."     Faith, as these examples suggest, does not receive instantaneous reassurance. The believer has to endure frustration and agony all while wondering why God's promises do not seem fulfilled. Perhaps our struggles with faithfulness is, in part, the result of our being unprepared for frustration. We may be unprepared for the problems of the local church. The tragedy that strikes us or our closest friends may appear to make a mockery of God's promises.     If we believe that Christianity involves an endless succession of victories, frustration will result in our "shrinking back" from the demands of commitment. The promise of God may lead us to dream impossible dreams. But in reality, we may not "receive what is promised" in a whole lifetime on earth. What can the Christian do with frustration?     Hebrews says we must learn to live with it. The Christian does not give up at the first sign of despair. He must accept the frustration and keep the faith. George Buttrick said that “our lives will experience all of the tension of a cello string which sings only when it is taut. This string is stretched between the infinite hope and the finite limitations of our lives. Life can produce its best music only when it lives with this kind of tension. We purchase a false "peace of mind," which is eagerly sought, only at the price of giving up on these promises which sustain us.”     Jesus taught us to believe in the promises, but He also prepared us for frustration. He tells the parable of the sower, whose work consisted mainly in sowing seed which did not produce (Mark 4:3-9). He knew that His disciples would sometimes be like a helpless widow making her appeal before an unjust judge (Luke 18: Iff.) Such stories indicate that Jesus anticipated the frustration of the Christian life.     As we follow the biblical record, we observe that the men of faith experienced deep frustration and despair. Job struggled with the questions of faith. Jeremiah lived in anguish over his calling. These people believed in "things not seen." What does the church do with its frustration? We surrender to our own temporary values when we "shrink back." Faith involves holding on when our only source of security is found in "things not seen."     The faith that began many centuries ago has survived, not because all of the faithful lived with constant victory, but because they held on in the presence of adversity. The church of today faces the same task and our heroes from the past can help us to do so.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

A Look at Repentance

By Brian Mitchell     As we continue to look at God’s Plan of Salvation, we now turn our thoughts to the subject of repentance, which is another part of God’s plan to save humanity from their sins. In the OT, God often called upon the children of Israel to repent. “They said, repent now everyone of his evil ways and evil doings, and dwell in the land that the lord has given you” (Jer.25:5). In the NT, repentance is listed as one of the preconditions to our salvation from sins—Mk.1:15, Lk.13:3. So given this, I think we should want to know what Repentance is.     A Sunday school teacher once asked her class what was meant by the word repentance. One little boy put up his hand and said it means to be sorry for your sins. A little girl also raised her hand and said, please, repentance is more than being sorry for your sins, it is being sorry enough to quit sinning. The little girl had it right, repentance is more than being sorry for sins, it is being sorry enough to say I am going to run from sin from now on.     Repentance involves being cut or pricked to the heart—it has to do with the mind and conscience—Acts2:37-38. On Pentecost, Peter preached that Jesus was the crucified Messiah from God and that they were the ones guilty of crucifying Him. Upon hearing and understanding their guilt the Bible says they were cut to the heart and thus asked: what must we do, to which they were told repent. Before one can repent, they must realize that they have sinned against God and then they must have a desire to seek God’s forgiveness.     W.M. Taylor said that, “True repentance hates the sin, not merely the penalty for sin; and it hates the sin most of all because it has discovered and felt the love of God.” Godly sorrow is thus produced by a change of mind in regard to sin that is brought about by a change of understanding in regards to what sin really is. Sin is an action, word or thought that violates the holy nature of God. Thus, repentance takes Godly sorrow and turns it into a changed life, with changed actions that has come under a change of management.     In the end, repentance comes down to one of two choices—Repent or Perish. Those are really our only choices when it comes to sin, we can repent or perish. If we repent, God will save us. Have you repented of your sins. You do not want to go before God carrying the heavy burden of your sins. God will take them away from you if you let him. So if you are carrying the burden of sin today why not give it to God. “For he made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor.5:21).

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

A Study of Biblical Baptism

By Brian Mitchell       The following is taken from an article that appeared in the Boston Globe on August 14, 1983. “The Natick police yesterday ruled as accidental, the drowning of an unemployed man who lost his balance and fell into deep water, while being baptized in a nearby lake. John E Blue was pronounced dead at the local hospital shortly after the accident at 11:30 A.M. Harold Branch of the church, said he was baptizing Mr. Blue in waist deep water when the two men lost their balance and fell backward where the lake falls off sharply.”     Was this accident really even necessary? This is the question that needs to be asked and answered. I mean apparently Mr. Blue wanted to do the right thing in the eyes of God, and thus he submitted to the command to be baptized for the forgiveness of his sins. But wouldn’t it have been easier and far less dangerous for Mr. Blue to have said a prayer, asking for the Lord to save him. The truth is that it would have been easier for Mr. Blue to have done that and that in fact is what man Christian denominations teach needs to be done for one to be saved. The question though is; what does God teach in His Word, that man must do to be saved.     What is all the fuss about baptism? Why is it such a controversial subject? Roy Lanier, writing in the Spiritual Sword said, “Just as both sowing and reaping are prior to eating bread, so belief and baptism are prior to, essential to baptism.” On the other hand, Frank Stagg, a Baptist scholar writes, “water baptism is not saving. Many passages which are concerned with salvation make no mention of salvation.”     Here is the BIG question, which one of these writers is correct? Is Lanier right when he says baptism is essential to salvation or is Stagg right when he says it isn’t. In the end, it doesn’t really matter which one is wrong and which one is right, and in truth they could both be wrong. What does matter is, what does God, have to say about the connection of baptism to salvation. Because “only those who do the will of the Father will enter the kingdom of Heaven” (Mt.7:21).     So, for the next 3 weeks we are going to be taking a more in depth look at the subject of baptism, specifically as it relates to salvation. In the end, I hope that we have accomplished 2 primary goals. To enable all who have been baptized into Christ to defend what the Bible teaches about salvation. To encourage those who have not put on Christ in baptism to understand the importance and urgency of doing so.

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

Faithful To the End

By Brian Mitchell       From ancient mythology comes the story of Penelope, who remained faithful to her absent husband Odysseus. Embarking with other heroes of his day, Odysseus had sailed away to the siege of Troy. Upon the fall of that city, he began that eventful voyage which, after an absence of twenty years, brought him back to Ithaca, his native land. His wife, Penelope, was a beautiful woman. During the absence of Odysseus, more than a hundred nobles had sought her hand. But hers was a beauty not of form alone, but of character and soul as well. She knew it was highly improbable that her lord would ever return.     For more than ten years her many important suitors had pressed their attentions. There seemed no refuge but in choosing one of them. She accordingly told them that when she had finished with a certain web she was weaving, she would make her choice. She worked on the web every day, but during the night would undo what she had wrought during the daytime. Thus she found delay. Odysseus entered the palace disguised as a beggar and found the suitors all assembled. In a trial of strength he proved himself the worthiest of the lot.     Penelope, still unaware of the presence of Odysseus, had provided for the contest his own bow, which she knew no other man could bend. So in one act Odysseus revealed himself to his faithful spouse and took revenge upon the insolent suitors who had so annoyed her. (Encyclopedia of 15,000 Illustrations, #3398). Penelope’s is a story of faithfulness in waiting for her Lord to return.     It also provides an excellent parallel to the spiritual life as we Christians are called also to be faithful in waiting for the return of our Lord. ‘Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). “It is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Cor. 15:58). Unfortunately, we are all aware, that many Christians are not as faithful as they need to be in their service to God.     Some worship every now and then but not with any kind of regularity, and some stop altogether in violation of the command to “not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.” (Heb.10:24-25). Others, after their conversion, may stop using alcohol or engaging in other worldly forms of entertainment, but after a while they begin using it again. Some after becoming Christians, begin reading the Bible, praying often to God and visiting the sick and shut-ins, but soon they decide that such is “just too much trouble” so they quit.     “Let it never be forgotten that glamour is not greatness; applause is not fame; prominence is not eminence. The man of the hour is not apt to be the man of the ages. A stone may sparkle, but that does not make it a diamond; people may have money, but that does not make them a success. It is what the so-called unimportant people do that really counts and determines the course of history. The greatest forces in the universe are never spectacular. Summer showers are more effective than hurricanes, but they get no publicity. The world would soon die if not for the fidelity, loyalty and consecration of those whose names are unhonored and unsung.” (James Sizoo).

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net

The Resurrection of Christ & Man

By Brian Mitchell       In our postmodern world, many believe in no absolutes—no certain, unquestionable truths. How should the church react to such an attitude? Should we dilute doctrine? Should we negotiate with unbelievers, teaching only what they are willing to accept? Should we avoid public proclamation of doctrines that we know others do not believe? Paul faced a similar question when he wrote 1 Corinthians 15.     Some people in Corinth doubted the resurrection of the dead and they were not alone. As Paul stood defending himself before King Agrippa he asked, “Why should it be so incredible to you that God raises the dead” (Acts 26:8). In the days of the apostles there were those who had a difficult time accepting the biblical teaching concerning the subject of the bodily resurrection of man, it was to them unbelievable. Sadly, the modern counterparts of these early unbelievers are appearing ever more increasingly and their influence is even being felt today in the Lord’s Church.     Can you imagine a professing believer in Christ denying the fact of the resurrection. Yet, this is exactly what some who claim to be Christians are doing. History is full of different groups, who for whatever reason, denied the bodily resurrection of man. In NT times, the Greeks so disdained the idea of a resurrection of the body that when Paul spoke in Athens about the resurrection, the biblical text says that he was literally mocked (Acts 17:32). The Sadducees, whom Jesus dealt with, were well known for among other things their repudiation of the resurrection of man.     Even some within the early NT church so misunderstood this concept that they had been proclaiming that there was no resurrection (1 Cor.15:12). Finally, the Gnostics came upon the scene and in their own imagined illuminated state also denied that man would rise from the dead. Unfortunately, these groups of NT times have been rivaled and even surpassed by the modern day rejecters of the biblical doctrine of the resurrection of man.     So what is the point? The point is that there are a lot of groups who through the years denied the literal bodily resurrection of mankind. The point is that even though there are many who would affirm the resurrection, many of them have little idea of what the Bible teaches about the resurrection. Thus, when confronted with false ideas concerning or flat out rejection of the resurrection, they are not prepared to given an account of the things they believe in and such will continue to be the case until we look to the Word for answers.     In today’s lesson, we will examine what we can know from Scriptures about the bodily resurrection of all mankind, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul did not avoid the question because he might alienate someone, nor did he compromise the doctrine of the resurrection. Rather, he proclaimed and defended it, refuting the arguments of those who denied that Christians would someday be raised from the dead. He confronted false doctrine, arguing calmly and rationally for his position. When a matter of faith was involved, Paul stood firmly for the truth—and so should we!

- Brian Mitchell serves as a minister with the Jackson Church of Christ in Jackson, MO. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at https://www.jacksonchurchofchrist.net