The End

By Clifton Angel
    Sometimes when we think about the end of the year, our minds our led to thoughts about the end of our lives or the end of time. Forty verses in the New Testament contain the phrase "the end.” We will not consider all of them, but without much commentary, let us consider a few passages of exhortation concerning "the end.”
    “Ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 10:22).    “For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:20–23).    “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end” (Hebrews 6:10–11).    “Gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ as obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13–16).    We do not know when the end of our lives, nor the end of time will be, but both are coming. Let us be exhorted to endure in the midst of persecution (cf. Matthew 10:22). Let us be exhorted to bear fruit unto holiness, as servants of God (cf. Romans 6:20–23). Let us be exhorted to labor in love in full assurance of hope (cf. Hebrews 6:10–11). Let us be exhorted to strengthen our minds, be sober, have hope, be obedient, and conduct ourselves in a holy manner (cf. 1 Peter 1:13–16).

- 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/

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

By Bill Brandstatter     It never ceases to amaze me that Christmas seems to come earlier every year. This year before Labor Day, Christmas items were on display in stores. Why is this so? Why is the Christmas season seemingly coming earlier every year?     For retailers, the main reason is: MONEY! Sales at Christmas time exceed the sales earlier in the year. The Friday after Thanksgiving is called the biggest shopping day of the year. Some have referred to that day as “Black Friday.”     There are some aspects of the Christmas season that have nothing to do with the presents and the prices. The joy that permeates this season gives everybody a real boost. Joy is one of those fruits of the Spirit that Paul mentions in Gal. 5:22. The happiness Christmas brings to many is simply beautiful.     I have seen joy already in some people. As travel plans are made and gifts are purchased, joy is behind all that is being done. This joy needs to be extended to the rest of the year.     Christ is all about joy. When the angel appeared to the shepherds in the field when Christ was born, he announced, “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.” (Lk. 2:10 NKJV) The gospel message ought to bring joy to everyone.     The joy of Christianity centers on the hope of heaven and a life better and more bountiful than this life. Paul wrote: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say, rejoice! (Phil. 4:4)     Joy is the reason I like the Christmas season so much. The joy in the eyes of children brings a smile to the faces of many. The joy of giving is truly a Biblical concept. Jesus stated, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)     My hope is that you will have great joy this season. The joy that is found in Christ is beyond any present that can be found in any store.

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

Some Good Resolutions

By Dan C. Bailey     It is beneficial to make good resolutions for the New Year. When we reflect upon the past and plan for the future, resolutions are very helpful. How could we ever improve ourselves without resolving to do so? Here are some resolutions which will help us all to have a happy and blessed New Year. Let Us Resolve To Read The Bible Daily This is a simple resolution, and one that all Christians should make. If not, then why not? The Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God. It will strengthen our souls, guide our feet, and help us to have the best year possible. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105). "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (II Tim. 3:16-17). "I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches" (Psalm 119:14).   Let Us Resolve To Teach Others What We Know Jesus gave the great commission to the apostles. "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:18-20). Now think about it for a moment. If Jesus commanded His apostles to teach the lost, and then commanded them to observe all things which He commanded them, then Jesus by implication has given the great commission to the disciples who were taught by the apostles. Then, they in turn taught the great commission to others whom they taught. So today, as Christians, we are to teach others the gospel and then baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. In a parallel passage we read, "And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned" (Mark 16:15-16).

- 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

Auld Lang Syne

By David R. Ferguson     Auld Lang Syne is a Scottish song written by Robert Burns in 1788 and sung in the English-speaking world each year since as the New Year dawns. Burns’ lyrics were inspired heavily by an earlier work composed by James Watson in 1711. Watson’s poem, in turn, has roots in an earlier old Scottish song from Scotland’s ancient past. The Scottish words auld lang syne literally mean “old long since,” better stated as “for old time’s sake.” The words “till dine” in the fourth verse mean “dinner time.” The song begins, then, by asking poetically, "Is it best for us to forget our loved ones, those who have gone before us?" The chorus, then, answers this question by saying, “No, it’s better to remember our loved ones fondly and in memory of all the good times they gave us for old time’s sake."     It breaks our heart to lose our loved ones to death, but for those of us in Christ, we know this is really not true. They haven’t been lost at all to death, for death no longer holds sway over those who lived their lives faithfully in Christ due to His victory over the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:57). Because of the great sacrifice He made on our behalf, we are assured that our loved ones have been called home to life eternal with their Lord. So, let’s all take a cup of kindness yet in their memory for auld lang syne, and rejoice in their blessed state they now are living!     Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot, and old lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.     And surely you’ll buy your pint cup and surely I’ll buy mine! And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet, for auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.     We two have run about the slopes, and picked the daisies fine; But we’ve wandered many a weary foot, since auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.     We two have paddled in the stream, from morning sun till dine; But seas between us broad have roared since auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.     And there’s a hand my trusty friend and give us a hand o’ thine! And we’ll take a right good-will of draught, for auld lang syne. For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

- 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

Press On Toward Jesus Throughout the New Year

By Joe Chesser       The New Year has arrived and is stretched out before us. The holidays are over (whew!), and most of us are ready to get back to normalcy (whatever that means for you). Back to work. Back to school. Back to normal sleeping. Back to diets. Back to routine.               However, it is the New Year, and many of us have been thinking about how to make personal improvements (physical, family, financial). And as you know, making resolutions and commitments sounds great. The difficulty comes in fulfilling these goals. You know that. This is not something new to you, is it? How many times has your diet fizzled out after as few weeks or months? How many times have your exercise plans come to nothing?  How many times has your new budget been blown?  How many times has your family time vanished for one reason or another? It’s tough for these hopes and dreams become reality.     Sadly, what’s true with our physical goals is just as true with our spiritual goals. We want to read our Bibles and pray more than we did in the past. We want to attend more Bible classes and be more involved in church activities than before. We want to be faithful to the Lord in every way. But even these awesome spiritual desires sometimes fade into the background and get replaced with inferior life situations.     God knows we struggle with life decisions such as overtime opportunities at work; house and yard repairs; vacations; sports; hunting and fishing, grandkids, etc.  He knows our hearts and how even good things can distract us from better things. He knows what Satan uses to temp or divert us.       And so He encourages us to put first things first (Matthew 6.33); to press on toward the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3.12-14), to be steadfast and unmovable (1 Corinthians 15.58), to set our minds on things above, not on the earth (Colossians 3.1-2) and to die to ourselves every day and follow Jesus (Luke 9.23). He also warns us about looking back at what we left (like Lot’s wife -  Genesis 1); about making excuses regarding following Jesus (Luke 9.57-62); about taking our eyes off of Jesus (like Peter did – Matthew 14) and about becoming entangled in the worldly ways again like a dog returning to his vomit (2 Peter 2.20-22).     Being committed to Jesus is never presented in Scripture as something easy and carefree. As noted above, it is presented as a battle, as a sacrifice, as a challenge. But it’s not a challenge we have to face alone. We are promised help, guidance and comfort from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.16; Romand 8.26-27; Acts 9.31). And on top of that we are promised unimaginable blessings if we die in Christ (1 Corinthians 2.9; Revelation 14.13; 2 Timothy 4.7-8; James 1.12).     What a great time for all of us to renew our commitment to press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus! Don’t let anyone or anything distract or deter you from holding true to what you have attained from God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3.16)! May God bless you and me as we press on toward Jesus in 2024!!!

- Joe Chesser worked for years with the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO. Now retired from full time preaching, he may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.com

Resolutions

By David R. Ferguson       I am all for doing whatever is necessary to improve our lives, but I am a strong believer that we should always remember to do what our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, said in Matthew 6:33: “But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” We should never fail to put God and His will first in our lives in everything we do.     The word of God is all about new beginnings: We have the Book of Genesis itself, whose very name means “beginning,” and within its pages God shares with us the creation story and how with just His word the whole universe sprang into existence. We also see how sin first arrived in that perfect world, and how quick was God to offer a remedy for that sin by stating the very first prophecy of redemption regarding the Messiah in Genesis 3:15. A few chapters later we see the underpinning of the nation of Israel laid as God promises Abraham that from him would come peoples and nations and most importantly, the Promised Seed from Whom all the world would be blessed. At the conclusion of the Book of Genesis, we see the foundation of God’s chosen people being created as Joseph protects his family from the famine that had ravaged the land, his family who were direct descendants of Abraham, in the land of Egypt.     In the Book of Exodus, we see the beginning of the nation of Israel, God’s chosen people, come to fruition as God calls them out of bondage in Egypt as the Lord formed His covenant with them at Mt. Sinai. But shortly thereafter, we witness the beginning of the long history of Israel’s rebellion against Jehovah. But He is steadfastly loving and patient and kind in His longsuffering, always maintaining a remnant for Himself. In 1 Samuel, we find the beginning of the monarchy created as God has Samuel anoint Saul as its first earthly king, once again resulting from the people rejecting their true King, Jehovah. It’s in 2 Samuel we find the beginning of the Davidic line to the throne established, the line from which came Israel’s and our King and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Upon His arrival, the Old Covenant gave way to the new, which is why the Hebrews writer tells us in Hebrews 8:13 just before the Destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, “And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.”     Jesus Christ is all about new beginnings. Through Him we have forgiveness of sins (Colossians 1:13-14). Through Him we can have a new birth (John 3:3), and it’s through this new birth that our old man dies and we are resurrected to be a new creation (Romans 6:3-5), and no longer at enmity with God (James 4:4). May you begin the new year right by resolving to live your life in step with Christ!

- 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 New Start

By Ron Thomas       As one enters a marriage, both parties begin a new life. In John 2, the marriage in Cana was exactly that, a new life for the male and female becoming a husband and wife, family, a home. A problem arose, however, that generated in Mary quickly turning and looking to her Son for relief. It was customary for the wedding host to provide for their guests. If there was a failing in this area, not only was there a social embarrassment, but, according to some, legal action could have been taken. Imagine Mary’s concern over this. Turning to her Son, she enlists His help.     Jesus’ initial response was not a reluctance or denial on His part, but a teaching point to His mother. Perhaps, at His age of 30, He wanted her to understand that He now must focus on His mission of teaching; He will help but let her be reminded about that which she already knew. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:32-33, ASV).     With Jesus’ turning water into wine, He turned a festive marriage occasion from a sorrowful beginning to a fresh start. There is a great lesson in this: When people marry, as a family unit, they start anew. The grow together in maturity and in the size of the family. As they do this, they should also give attention to their destiny. Where is the family going, and how will it get there? Those who turn from the Lord think they know where they are going. When they arrive, they quickly realize what they thought was not their desire.     On the other hand, those who start with Jesus, know where they are going, how to get there, and are sure of their desired destination. Their marriage and family is long lasting. When the years come and go, when the body with its tight skin and no blemishes begins to be less tight and with a few more scars, even beyond the grey hairs, wrinkly skin, and bent-over postures with time, those who started with Jesus always have a fresh and new start.

-- Ron Thomas, beginning in January 2023, Ron will be preaching for the Church of Christ at Rio Grande in Bidwell, OH. He may be contacted at etsop95@gmail.com

What Are You Doing in the New Year?

By Bill Brandstatter

      Now that 2020 is here, we are looking at “new” items. The Bible uses the word “new” in a number of very important ways.

A New Name -- Isa. 62:2 indicates that God’s people would be called by “a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name.”  This new name obviously is not Jew since that was an old name. Rather the new name is Christian (Acts 11:26). Isaiah also says God’s servants would be called by “another name.” So no longer is the Old Testament name authorized. Spiritual Israel today is the church (Gal. 6:16).

A New Covenant -- God gave us a new covenant. The Hebrews writer indicates that in using the word “new” to describe his covenant, the first covenant (Old Testament) was ready to vanish away. (Heb. 8:13). We are, therefore, not subject to the Old Testament and its ordinances since they were nailed to the cross (Col. 2:14).             

A New Birth -- Jesus spoke in John 3:3, 5 of the “new birth.”  This new birth is a spiritual one, not a physical birth. This new birth is required for a person to be identified with Christ.  Jesus mentions two elements of the new birth, spirit and water.  Many commentators agree the “water” here includes the water of baptism.            

A New Way -- The old way to God included a priest who made sacrifices once a year for the people. (Heb. 9:7) Now individuals can approach the Father directly in prayer. (Matt. 6:9)   Christianity, therefore, is a new way of approaching God as compared to the old way of Judaism.        

With all the new events that are taking place this year, don’t forget the new ways of God. Remember to read and study the Bible, attend worship services, and obey God as the Bible directs.   

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

Resolutions for the New Year

By Johnny Hester

 

    Stress and pressure are building. The year 2021 will soon be history. My wife, Linda, still hasn’t told me what my New Year’s Resolutions are. But I’m not going to worry about it.

    It momentarily occurred to me that perhaps I should resolve to give up all my annoying habits for 2019. Then I remembered my high school coach years ago telling me: “No one respects a quitter.” An obvious dilemma, but I’m not going to worry.

    For multitudes of people, deciding to develop a healthier lifestyle is a common resolution with which to begin the New Year. However, to my pleasant surprise my annual yearend physical indicates that my weight is perfect. However, it seems that in height I am approximately 9 inches too short. My carefully considered response is, in the words of one of my all-time favorite philosophers, Alfred E. Neuman: “What—Me Worry?” After all, years ago I memorized the New King James Version of Jesus’ question in Matthew 6:27, “Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature?” So, worrying would be a waste of time.

     Now—if you hear a grinding noise, it’s my brain trying to switch gears. On a more serious level it should be observed that there is a difference between profitless anxiety and legitimate concern. Worrying about things over which we have no control brings frustration to the mind and negativity to the spirit. On the other hand, legitimate concern—if rightly directed—can produce noble resolutions and significant improvements in the life one lives.

    In Proverbs chapter six God warns us about the folly of indolence, discourages procrastination and commends to us the wisdom of acting with resolve and energy in our own best interest.

          Go to the ant, you sluggard!

           Consider her ways and be wise,

          Which, having no captain,

           Overseer or ruler,

          Provides her supplies in the summer,

           And gathers her food in the harvest.

          How long will you slumber, O sluggard?

           When will you rise from your sleep?

          A little sleep, a little slumber,

           A little folding of the hands to sleep —

          So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,

           And your need like an armed man.

    The Lord willing, this Sunday morning I plan to share some worthwhile information from the Word of God that will help us to develop a proper perspective regarding the future. Linda and I are thankful for you all—our spiritual family at Matthews—and as always, we joyfully anticipate being with you for Bible study and worship.

- Johnny Hester preaches for the Matthews Church of Christ in Matthews, MO. He may be contacted at johnnyhester@yahoo.com

Coping in 2021

By Ronald Bartanen
 
    What will we be facing in this new  year? Will it be a year of good health, or of illness? Will there be a stabilizing economy or a stock-market crash?  Will there be an increase of unity as a nation or an increase of chaos, looting, burning and physical violence? As individuals, will we learn to cope with life’s illnesses and failures or will we collapse under the stresses of life? We don’t know all the answers to the situations we must face.  As our fears mount up, it becomes more and more difficult to cope.
    Even those who are people of faith find it difficult to face personal, national and global problems confidently.  We need daily to be reminded of the words of Jesus: “In this world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer.  I have overcome the world” (John 1`6:33).
    Our ability to cope begins with faith in Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote, “We are more than conquerors through Him that loved us” (Romans 8:37). Is your trust in Him who died for you, and was raised again? Have you, in faith, repented of sins, confessed faith in Christ, and been baptized?  (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; 22:16). Are you faithfully following Him? (Revelation 2:1`0) When united to Him who died for us, we are encouraged and strengthened by His Spirit to cope with the problems of life, and to rejoice in the new life He has promised those who follow Him.

- Ronald Bartanen preaches for Arthur Church of Christ, Arthur, IL.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://arthurcoc.com/

Following the Pattern in the New Year

By Joe Slater

What do you suppose God’s people were doing on  New Year’s Day roughly 3500 years ago? Would you  believe they were putting up the tabernacle? “On the  first day of the first month, you shall set up the  tabernacle of the tent of meeting” (Exodus 40:1). “And  it came to pass in the first month of the second year, on  the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was raised  up” (40:17).
Earlier in Exodus (chapters 25-31) God had given  Moses explicit and detailed instructions about the  tabernacle and all of its furnishings, beginning with this  exhortation: “According to all that I show you, that is,  the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its  furnishings, just so shall you make it” (25:9). The Lord  repeated this command several times as He specified the  dimensions, materials, design, etc., of the tabernacle and  its furnishings. “And see to it that you make them  according to the pattern which was shown you on the  mountain” (25:40). “And you shall raise up the  tabernacle according to its pattern which you were  shown on the mountain” (26:30). “As it was shown you  on the mountain, so shall they make it” (27:8).
Moses and the Israelites took God seriously! “Thus  Moses did; according to all that the Lord had  commanded him, so he did” (Exodus 40:16).
The tabernacle and things associated with it were a  shadow of the better things Jesus Christ established in  the New Covenant. The Hebrews writer taught that we  ought to be even more diligent to be faithful in the New  Covenant than Moses and the Israelites were in the Old  Covenant (Hebrews 2:1-4; 10:28-31).
In this new year, let us renew our determination to  follow God’s pattern set forth in the New Testament!

- Joe Slater serves as minister of the Church of Christ in Justin, TX. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://justinchurchofchrist.com

New Year Predictions That Will Come True

By Bill Brandstatter

    It’s time again to reflect. We are all reflecting on 2020 and hoping for much better in 2021. With the distribution of a COVID 19 vaccine, hopefully, there will be some degree of normalcy restored in 2021. Christmas is over and the New Year is here. We will hear a lot of reflections about 2020 in the coming weeks. Already, I have heard about movie or television stars we have lost in the past year. I am sure that in coming weeks there will be lists of the best and the worst of the past year. I would like to make some predictions for the New Year. These predictions are based on the ever-changing cycles of events. All these will come true at some point this new year.
    There will be a lot of births and deaths in 2021. Solomon wrote about this and stated that there is ...“a time to be born and a time to die...” in Eccl. 3:2. One estimate is that there are 255 babies born every minute in our world. They, of course, will all be beautiful babies. Likewise, there will be people who die in 2021. This is something that has happened from the dawn of time. We don’t know the day or hour of our death; but all of us will one day die. (Heb. 9:27) The time for many will come in the New Year. If we are prepared, we need not fear death; but remember that it is like sleep and we wake up in another place (Jn. 11:11-15).
    Change will come in the New Year. Just the fact that it is a new year means change. We will be another year older. There will be changes in our government. We will apparently have a new President and Vice President. We might change jobs or locations. We might decide to retire. Everyone will face some change in life. The only thing certain about life is that change will come. Christians look for that change that will be out of this world. (1 Cor. 15:51-52)
    There will be weather-related problems before 2021 is over. So far during our winter season we have felt the brunt of cold weather. Some areas have experienced snow and bad travel conditions. The Psalms record for us that “He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes” (Psa. 147:16). Some areas of our country and the world will get snowfall in 2021. When they do, we are reminded that even though our sins are as scarlet, they can be white as snow. (Isa. 1:18) God can wash away our sins and make us pure and white as snow.
     God will still love us in 2021. God loves the world. He wants all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4). Unfortunately, not all the world loves God. Let us think back on 2020 and the ways in which God showed His love for us. Even in the midst of the pandemic, God was there. Let us remember the ways He blessed us and the ways He continues to do so. Let us remember the words of the Hebrews writer, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).
    He sent His Son to die for us. All that obey His son will have a hope of seeing God one day. Let’s be faithful to Him and we’ll receive a crown (Rev. 2:10). We will then be ready for whatever the New Year brings.

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

Crises Reveal Our Character

By Joe Chesser
       
    What would you do if you were fired from your job and put in prison because your employer's wife told horrible lies about you?
     What would you do if you had run for your life because you helped defend a neighbor from an injustice?
     What would you do if you were offered something you greatly desired but knew was illegal and life-threatening to obtain?
     What would you do if suddenly you discovered that all that you had believed in the past was not true, and instead of serving God you were actually fighting Him?
     What would you do if you were offered a considerable amount of money to betray a friend?
     What would you do if you found out that the woman to whom you were engaged became pregnant before the wedding, and you knew it wasn’t your child?
     These are not hypothetical questions.  They really happened, and the answers to these questions reveal the type of character each person possessed at the time the crisis occurred.  You can probably identify each of the people in the above scenarios: Joseph (Jacob’s son), Moses, Eve, Paul, Judas, and Joseph (and Mary).  Some of them faced the crisis with faith and resolve, and withstood the challenge.  Others failed.  But what these examples teach us is that when crises occur, our character will be revealed.
     All of us have faced and will continue to face many challenges in our lives.  They may be strong temptations; they may be difficult choices; they may be heart-breaking health issues.  And many of our crises are not personally our own – they may involve our spouse, parents, children, family or friends.  Still, they are heavy burdens.
     As we reflect back on 2020, it’s easy to see that there were countless crises that shaped, molded and revealed our character. Not much we can do about them now except to determine that in 2021 we will learn from our mistakes and enhance our strengths.
     How we handle crises reveals who we really are.  It also reveals how we have prepared for the inevitable challenges.  We may not know exactly the kind of crises that may be coming in 2021, but they will come.  How we prepare today for them will determine how these crises affect us.  Roy Disney once said, “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.”  Our three basic optional responses to crises are: 1) Joseph was able to overcome the crisis with Potiphar’s wife because he had already established his values, even as a teenager; 2) Moses overcame a poor decision by developing spiritually while in the wilderness; 3) Judas allowed his crisis to destroy him.
     What will 2021 reveal about your character?

- Joe Chesser preaches for the Fruitland Church of Christ, Fruitland, MO.  He may be contacted at joeandareva@yahoo.com

Removing Our Debt

By Adam Faughn

    This time of year, we often run across stories of people doing good deeds for others. They are heart-warming and remind us that there are still plenty of good people in our world.
    One such story happened in Bristol, Tennessee, just a few days ago. Customers at a local Wal-Mart started receiving emails that confused them. The emails were from the store, informing them that their layaway balances stood at "zero." It turns out, a person who only wanted to be identified as a "secret Santa" had gone into the store very early that morning and paid off every cent of all layaway balances at the store, a sum that was less than $5 short of $65,000.
    It took a few customers some convincing to believe it. Still, everything they owed on those items had been wiped clean, and there is no residual debt--no further obligation--due to the generosity of this one who chose to remain anonymous. It is a reminder of the power of generosity, and we can only imagine the freedom they felt in knowing that debt was no longer staring them in the face.
    As wonderful as it would be to have a monetary debt simply wiped clean, that pales in comparison to what Jesus did when He died on the cross. The effect of what our Lord did is more far-reaching in its scope because He died for all people everywhere, and it is more impactful in its duration because His sacrifice is for all time.
    To the faithful who had lived in Old Testament times, Jesus took their debt of sin out of the way. No-tice, though, how Paul describes what Jesus did: "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross" (Colossians 2:13-14). He canceled the debt!
    And, for those of us who live after the cross, Jesus's blood stands ready to do the same thing. It is why the New Testament pictures baptism as a "washing away" of sins (cf. Acts 22:16) and why those who are Christians have the promise of the blood of Jesus cleansing them of all their sin (1 John 1:7). The debt is taken away because Jesus paid the price.
    Some people struggle with the idea that Jesus could forgive them. They realize the seriousness of what they have done, and they struggle to believe that Jesus has truly and fully relieved them of the debt they owe. But God is faithful, and His promise is true, "that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1 Timothy 1:15). Paul would add that he is the foremost of sinners, which reminds us that Je-sus' salvation is not limited by the "size" of our debt or the seriousness of what we have done. Because of His loving and gracious nature, He will wipe all our sinful debt clean if we will just come to Him on His terms.
    We often sing, "He paid a debt He did not owe; I owed a debt I could not pay." Those simple words ex-press one of the most profound thoughts we could ever consider: that the words are true for every per-son who has ever lived. Anyone has the potential to sing those words because He stands ready to for-give each and every sinful debt! The only question is if we can truthfully sing lyrics found later in that same song: "I now can sing a brand new song, Amazing Grace." Only those who have allowed Jesus to pay off their debt by coming to Him on His terms can rightfully sing those words. Can you?

"He paid that debt at Calvary,

He cleansed my soul and set me free,

I'm glad that Jesus did all my sins erase." (Unknown)

"For by a single offering He has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" (Hebrews 10:14).

- Adam Faughn preaches for the Central Church of Christ in Paducah KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.centralchurchofchrist.org Visit the Faughn Family blog, A Legacy of Faith.

Accomplishing Your New Year’s Resolutions

By Edd Sterchi

    What New Year’s resolutions have you made? Most will have made ones that were designed to make their lives or the lives around them better. Such resolutions may include: losing weight, stopping a bad habit, exercising more, becoming more organized, or having a better attitude. Now, I’m not going to be sarcastic like the man who made the New Year’s toast, “May your troubles be as short lived as your resolutions!” I sincerely hope you succeed in every resolution you make (that is within the Lord’s will, of course).
    So how are you going to get your resolutions accomplished? Hebrews 12:1-2 can give us a lot of encouragement and help along that line. Even though the true context of the passage is ridding our lives of sin and striving toward heaven, we can make application to accomplishing worthy earthly goals, as well.
* “since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” - Involve others. There are many in your life who can motivate and encourage you. Look to the example of those who have already completed what you are trying to accomplish.
* “let us lay aside every weight” - Get rid of all the obstacles that are hindering success. There are plenty of ways to fail, and the world will make sure to bring them all out. To succeed, all obstacles must be avoided or overcome. * “and let us run” - Exercise yourself in a specific plan of action to complete the goal. Accomplishing goals is often a matter of each of us being determined to run - then running.
* “with endurance” - You need to be persistent in accomplishing your resolutions. You can’t give up, even though there may be setbacks. If you stumble, get back on your feet and get running again.
* “looking unto Jesus” - Keep your eyes upon Jesus who overcame earthly obstacles, completed God’s plan, persisted, and made it back to heaven. Remember what all He went through and how what you are trying to do is much less demanding and that you can do it.
    Henry Ward Beecher once said: “We have passed through one more year. One more long stage in the journey of life, with its ascents and descents and dust and mud and rocks and thorns and burdens that wear the shoulders, is done. The old year is dead. Roll it away. Let it go.” May I only add, “let it go, and let’s go on to greater things in 2021.” 

- Edd Sterchi preaches for the Broadway Church of Christ in Campbellsville, KY. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.broadwaychurchofchrist.net/

A God Who Makes All Things New

By Al Behel

“Behold, I make all things new …” (Revelation 21:5)
     I like new things, don’t you? Being the fifth boy in my family I got lots of hand-me-downs. Big families tended to recycle everything. Occasionally, though, I would get new clothes and new shoes, and I felt really proud. I couldn’t wait to wear them.
     Scripture tells us that God makes all things new. No more remodeling or repairing the old stuff. No hand-me-downs. He gives us a new start, a new creation, and a new future. With sins forgiven we have a whole new potential.
     The old man with his limitations is replaced with a new man who shares a new nature.
     I like New Years. They let me look back and look forward at the same time. I can assess what I need to discard and leave behind. I can look forward to new beginnings and new opportunities. I can be free from past mistakes and accept new grace.

“A New Year, A New Beginning”

The old year ends, a new begins
With pages clean and new;
And what is written on each page
Will now depend on you.
You can’t relive the year that’s past,
Erasing every wrong;
For once a year, or day, is spent
It is forever gone.
But don’t give up in dark despair
If you have failed some test;
Seek God’s forgiveness and resolve
Henceforth to do your best.

Resolve each precious day to do
Things good and kind and pure;
Though days and years may pass away,
These things shall still endure.
You know not where your path may lead
Nor what’s beyond the hill;
But know that God walks by your side,
If you will do His will.
All things are possible with God,
Though days be bright or dim;
So do your best and know that you
Can leave the rest to Him.
 
                                    —Author Unknown

- Al Behel preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://greatsmokymountainschurchofchrist.com/

The Silence of the Season

By Bill Brandstatter

    One of the things I noticed most about the season that has just past is the silence. After the hustle and bustle of the shopping season, there is a great silence on day one of the new year. I often drive around town and look at stores closed and parking lots empty on Christmas Day. The silence is deafening.  One day a year everything stops for a while. Have you ever thought about silence regarding our approach to God? The Bible says, “Be still and know…” (Ps. 46:10)
    Be still and know that God exists. I was talking to a man at a recent Bible study and he told me how he really likes mornings. He said it was the time he took to pray and reflect on the things God has made. I am reminded of what Jeremiah wrote in the book of Lamentations: “Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.” (3:22, 23) In the 19th Psalm, David indicates to us that nature tells us of the wonder and beauty of God. (Psa. 19:1-4)
    Be still and know that God loves you. Sometimes we are so busy with our lives we forget one of the most important aspects of our lives…that is, that God loves us. We really don’t understand the love of God like we should. We often equate love with a feeling or a desire; but love is more than that. God’s love transcends both. Jesus stated that God “so loved the world…” (John 3:16). He demonstrated His love for us (Rom. 5:8). That love should be what compels and motivates us in all that we do in life. (Rom. 5:8)
    Be still and know that God can forgive us. This past year we might have messed up. Maybe we did some things we shouldn’t have. Perhaps we got into situations that resulted in problems in our lives. It could be that we were involved is some event that we should have avoided. God can forgive us if we seek and obey Him.  Jesus shed His blood so that our sins could be forgiven. (Mt. 26:28) We contact that blood when we are baptized into Christ. (Rom. 6:3) After that, through repentance, confession and prayer we can continually have our sins forgiven. (Acts 8:32; 1 John 1:9) God forgives us and we can rest assured His forgiveness is complete and thorough.
    In the hustle and bustle of our lives we need to stop and have some quiet time with God. Be still and know and see the great things about God that often get overlook in our chaotic lives.

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

Urgency in Making Resolutions for the New Year?

By Johnny Hester

    Stress and pressure is building. Here I sit at my computer on the last day of year, and Linda still hasn’t told me what my New Year’s Resolutions are. It momentarily occurred to me that perhaps I should resolve to give up all of my annoying habits developed over the past seven decades, but then I remembered my old football coach once telling me: “No one respects a quitter.” An obvious dilemma, but I’m not going to worry.
    For multitudes of people, deciding to develop a healthier lifestyle is a common resolution with which to begin the New Year. However, to my pleasant surprise my annual yearend physical indicates that my weight is perfect! However, it seems that I am approximately two and a half feet too short in height. My carefully considered response is, in the words of one of my all-time favorite philosophers, Alfred E. Neuman: “What—Me Worry?” After all, years ago I memorized the New King James Version of Jesus’ question in Matthew 6:27, “Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature?” So worrying would be a waste of time and it wouldn’t make me any taller.
    Now—if you detect a grinding noise, it’s my brain trying to switch gears. On a more serious level it should be observed that there is a difference between profitless anxiety and legitimate concern. Worrying about things over which we have no control brings frustration to the mind and negativity to the spirit. On the other hand, legitimate concern—if rightly directed—can produce noble resolutions and significant improvements in the life one lives.
    In Proverbs chapter six God warns us about the folly of indolence, discourages procrastination and commends to us the wisdom of acting with resolve and energy in our own best interest.
Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
Which, having no captain,
Overseer or ruler,
Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.
How long will you slumber, O sluggard?
When will you rise from your sleep?
A little sleep, a little slumber,
A little folding of the hands to sleep —
So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler,
And your need like an armed man.
    As we approach the new year we need to appreciate the need for urgency in setting worthwhile resolutions or goals.
    Love and Happy New Year to you and yours.

- Johnny Hester preaches for the Matthews Church of Christ in Matthews, MO. He may be contacted at johnnyhester@yahoo.com

Celebrate the New

By Travis Robertson

     We like to celebrate with friends and family when we receive something new. The most precious is, of course, a new baby. We throw baby showers, and want to hold the new beautiful bundle of joy. New cars also attract attention. New car smell is so appealing that it has been manufactured into a scent for old cars to make them smell new. New gizmos of every type flood the market every year. Consumers brave the cold, even camp out in front of stores to be the first to purchase the newest version of the latest product.
     We even celebrate the “New Year”. We get together and remember all about the old year, some of it with laughter and some with tears, but we celebrate the new. “Out with the old and in with the new!”
     If we are going to celebrate “new”, let us celebrate the new life that has been granted through the gracious gift of forgiveness and reconciliation and eternal life. Let us also resolve to live as light and salt so that reconciliation will spread throughout the world starting here and starting now.
     “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.  He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).

- Travis Robertson preachers for the Lake Norman Church of Christ in Huntersville, NC. He may be contacted through the congregation's website at http://lakenormancoc.org/

Ready or Not ... 2017

By David Bragg

    Can you believe another year is in the books? Time marches relentlessly onward without asking for either our consent or approval. 2016 isn’t even cold yet and 2017 is already three days old. Nothing you and I can do will ever get that time back. With each passing day we creep closer towards time's end. But, as always, with Jesus there is good news.
    2017 will bring with it days of defeat and success.
    2017 will bring with it both sadness and great joy.
    2017 will bring days of suffering balanced with days of healing.
    2017 will bring with it days of loss and others of enrichment.
    For some 2017 will bring with it a day of finality.
    But there will not be a single day in 2017 that you will have to encounter alone! We have One who can lift us up from defeat, comfort us in sadness and sustain us through suffering. There is One who can truly place momentary loss into eternal perspective. And not to be forgotten, we have each other, charged with the duty of sharing in life's highs and lows (Romans 12:12-15) and with bearing “one another’s burdens" (Galatians 6:2).
    While we are powerless to keep time from sifting through our lives like sand through our fingers, we can do something about how we spend it. While much time will fall wasted at the feet of humanity, as a follower of Christ you can use your time to God's glory and time will ultimately deposit you in His timeless glory.

 - David Bragg serves as one of the ministers at the Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC and is co-editor of BulletinGold. He may be contacted through the congregation's website.