By
R. W. McAlister
In
Matthew 3, we find John the Baptizer preaching a
message of repentance in the wilderness of Judea. As
he was baptizing in the Jordan, a group of Pharisees
and Saducees approached him. Knowing them, and their
motives, John knew neither group was sincere in their
desire for repentance. What do we know about the
Pharisees and Sadducees?
The
Pharisees professed great devotion to the law, but
they were inwardly corrupt, hypocritical, and
self-righteous.
The
Sadducees were aristocrats and religious skeptics who
denied such basic doctrines as the resurrection of the
body and the immortality of the soul, just to name
two. Therefore, he denounced both sects as a brood of
vipers, who pretended to desire to escape from the
wrath to come, but exhibited no signs of true
repentance.
In
Matthew 3:8, John the Baptist told this group of
Pharisees and Sadducees “Bring forth therefore fruits
meet for repentance.” What does this mean, exactly?
Repentance
is defined: “turning away from sin and turning to God
– having a change of mind which leads to a change of
actions.” The Greek verb translated “repent” is
metanoeo. The literal translation is: “after thought.”
It suggests the idea of thinking about an action after
it has been taken. If it’s a sinful action, the idea
would be a reflection back upon it and a feeling of
remorse for having committed it.
However,
true repentance takes on more than just remorse, or
“feeling sorry” for something done. On Pentecost,
Peter admonished his audience to “repent” (Acts 2:38).
Earlier in his message, the crowd had been “pricked in
their hearts” (Acts 2:37). Clearly, repentance
required more than just feeling badly, or being “cut
to the heart” as we might phrase it, it required
action – a change of life. Paul said, “…godly sorrow
worketh (leads to) repentance…” (II Cor. 7:10).
Repentance clearly means a change of behavior, not
just feeling sorry for our actions.
The
phrase, “meet for” comes from the Greek word “axios”
and means, “having the weight of another thing of like
value, worth as much.”
With
this in mind, a lifestyle change indicative of true
repentance must equal the seriousness of the
wrongdoing, or else true repentance hasn’t occurred.
So,
what is the “fruit” John is talking about here? If the
sin has been against another individual (false
statements – written or verbal, dishonest business
deal, theft – petty or major, etc.), reconciliation
must be made to that individual. In cases of theft,
restitution must be made. When the prodigal son of
Luke 15 returned home and confessed, “Father, I have
sinned against heaven…” it would be wrong to say this
son had done all that repentance required of him.
Would he not have had a responsibility to admit his
wrong to his father? Of course, and he did: “Father, I
have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight…” (Luke
15:21). Further, if one has truly repented, the proof
(fruit) is often visible through a changed attitude
and by making better, more Godly choices.
Far
too many people believe the lie that they can make a
generic confession at a church service, without ever
making things right personally with the person against
whom they have sinned.
Repentance
without every action that defines it is not really
repentance at all. May God bless all who truly see the
need for change and set about making it!
- R. W. McAlister preaches for the Anna Church
of Christ in Anna, IL.He may be contacted through the
congregation's website: http://www.annachurchofchrist.com/
By
Alan Smith
Unable
to attend the funeral after his Uncle Charlie died, a
man who lived far away called his brother and told
him, "Do something nice for Uncle Charlie and send me
the bill."
Later,
he got a bill for $200.00, which he paid. The next
month, he got another bill for $200.00, which he also
paid, figuring it was some incidental expense.
But,
when the bills for $200.00 kept arriving every month,
he finally called his brother again to find out what
was going on.
"Well,"
said the other brother, "You said to do something nice
for Uncle Charlie. So I rented him a tuxedo."
That's
not exactly the most appropriate gift for someone who
has died! But the story made me think about how we are
often willing to give, even to sacrifice great
amounts, and we are happy to do so once or twice. But
we don't want it to become something we have to do for
the rest of our lives.
For
example, we're happy to have friends or family stay in
our homes for a short while, but we don't want it to
go on for years and years. We'll agree to teach a
Bible class at church for a quarter or two, but we
don't want to be stuck in the class for the rest of
our life. We'll take a mission trip and live in
squalid conditions for a week or two, but would never
dream of moving there permanently.
And
our hesitancy in situations like those is perhaps
understandable. Unfortunately, we sometimes are
tempted to have the same attitude when it comes to
serving Christ. We're willing to give up everything
for Christ -- at least, for a while. But for our whole
lives? Always seeking to put others first? Always
willing to forgive? Always willing to suffer and
sacrifice for the cause of Christ?
We
need to be reminded that Christianity is not a sprint,
it's a long-distance marathon, and we must be willing
to commit ourselves to run the race to the very end.
Be forewarned -- it can be tiring. But "let us not
grow weary while doing good, for in due season we
shall reap if we do not lose heart." (Gal. 6:9)
Have
a great day!
- Alan Smith, author of the popular "Thought For
Today," and minister for the Cruciform Church of
Christ in Spring Lake, North Carolina, may be
contacted at alansmith.servant@gmail.com
or through the congregation's website: http://www.cruciformcoc.com/
By
Clifton Angel
Adam
and Eve transgressed God’s law—they sinned (Genesis
3:1–6). At that moment, God could have destroyed the
world. He could have sent Adam and Eve to eternal
punishment prepared for the devil and his angels
(Matthew 25:46). In so doing, God would have been
perfectly upright and just. He is God. He made Adam
in His own image (Genesis 1:27). He gave Adam access
to the tree of life (Genesis 2:9). He trained Adam
to live and gave him a purpose to live (Genesis
2:15). He instructed Adam in righteousness—doing
right and avoiding wrong (Genesis 2:16–17). I
believe Adam instructed his wife in righteousness
(Genesis 3:2–3). Yet, they both chose to go beyond
what was right—they sinned. And what did God do? He
sought them, taught them, and saved them (Genesis
3:7–24).
God’s
first words to Adam after he had sinned were, “Where
are you?” (Genesis 3:9). God does not need GPS. He
did not need information concerning Adam’s physical
location. He knew where he was. Rather, God was
humbling Adam and teaching Adam. It was an
opportunity for Adam to realize and say to himself:
“I’m not where I’m supposed to be. I’ve done wrong,
I’m naked, I’m afraid, I’m hiding, and I need your
mercy.” Adam did not make that initial conclusion,
did he? Instead, he concluded that God and the woman
were to blame (Genesis 3:12). How futile!
Eventually, God helped Adam to realize where he was.
He helped Adam to realize that he was separated from
God—spiritually dead—and as result, he and every
person following would also be separated from the
tree of life, from the ease of living, and the
protection of health.
Adam’s
sons Cain and Abel were taught to worship God with
proper sacrifices
(Genesis 4:1–7; see also Hebrews 11:4, Romans
10:17). Cain chose to worship God in his own way.
And so, God did not respect his offering. God’s
rejection of Cain’s worship was a form of God saying
to Cain, “Where are you?” God wanted Cain to do well
and be reconciled to Him. Instead, Cain grew angry
and envious, even to the point of murder. Again, God
sought salvation for Cain. God asked, “Where is Abel
thy brother?” (Genesis 4:9). God knew where Abel
was. He was really asking Cain, “Where are you?” He
wanted Cain to admit that he had sinned and that he
needed God’s mercy. Cain did not accept God’s
attempts to save him and was cast out. It was then
that Cain had to face the fact of his new
location—outside of “the presence of the LORD”
(Genesis 2:16).
And
now, the question comes to each one of us. Where are
you?
- 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/
By
Ron Adams
The
Bible is a marvelous and inspired book. It has been
translated into many languages and many English
versions are available. To make it easy for the
readers to find certain passages or statements, the
text has been divided into chapters and verses. This
makes it very convenient for referencing a
particular passage.
In
doing so, it has opened the door to what I call
“verse plucking.” That is, one may find a numbered
verse and take it out of context. Then draw ideas or
teachings based on the isolated verse. The findings
are not found or supported by any other verse or
verses in the Bible. And often, they conflict with
other passages. The ideas “found” in isolated verses
have been championed by many and have convinced
others that what they say the verse teaches is Bible
truth.
I
have coined a phrase, “When you find a verse, put it
back where you found it.” The context is so
important in determining what is being said. Quite
often when the verse is put back in its setting the
things “found” in the isolated verse are determined
to be the product of a fertile imagination or
personal biases.
Everyone
who teaches or presents lessons based on the Bible
must be very careful when connecting individual
verses found in various passages in the Bible. The
teacher must be sure that each verse referenced
clearly supports what is said in the context.
You
know, sometimes it’s best to read the Bible without
paying attention to the numbers.
- F.Y.C. is a monthly publication by Ron Adams.
Bible references are from the NASB except where
another translation is referenced. Back issues are
archived at http://ra10ar.com
Be thoughtful and kind. All rights reserved. © 2017
By
Lance Cordle
Humans
need it. We want others to give it freely, not
grudgingly. We want it to come without prompting and
we would love for it to happen on a regular
basis. However, most of us are of such disposition
we do not need it every day or, for that matter,
every week...but we do need it. What is “it?” The
answer is affirmation—the acknowledgement by someone
outside ourselves, that we are needed, wanted and
valued for our unique contribution to their life.
The
apostle Paul was a master of affirmation. Just a
quick glance at the New Testament books which are
his letters to churches and individuals will confirm
this. As you look over the following verses, note
the phrases of affirmation (in italics, for my
emphasis):
- “Greet
Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in the
Lord, who risked their necks for me . .
.” (Romans 16:3, 4)
- “I
rejoice at the coming of Stephanus and
Fortunatus and Achaicus . . . For they
refreshed my spirit as well as yours…” (1
Corinthians 16: 17, 18)
- “.
. . Tychicus the beloved brother and
faithful minister in the Lord will tell
you everything.” (Ephesians 6:21).
- “I
thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
always in every prayer of mine for you all
making my prayer with joy . . .” (Philippians
1:3, 4)
- “For
I bear him (Epaphras) witness that he has
worked hard for you and for those in
Laodicea and in Hieropolis.” (Colossians 4:13)
- “To
Timothy, my beloved child” (2 Timothy
1:2)
- “To
Titus, my true child in a common faith .
. .” (Titus 1:4)
He
greeted, complimented and encouraged those to whom
he wrote. He mentioned names of people whom he
admired and appreciates and was not showy or
dramatic in his affirmation.
You
and I can follow Paul’s example. We can do so in
writing, just as he did with a few well-chosen
words. It can also be done personally, with a touch,
hand-shake or hug. All it takes is the courage to
push those words past our lips. One such sentence
could be, “I am glad you are my . . .” You
fill in the blank with friend, wife, husband, son,
daughter, teacher, etc.”
One
note of caution, however—you had better mean every
word, because they will probably know if you are not
sincere.
- Lance Cordle preaches the Calvert City Church of
Christ in Calvert City, KY. He may be
contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com
By
Rob Albright
John
was preaching the message of repentance (Mark 1:1-11).
Repentance means changing your mind about God. John
was urging the people to change their life back to the
right ways of God. There were a number of people who
heard that message and were baptized (Matthew 3:11).
John would not baptize them if they did not repent
(Matthew 3:7) and confess their sins (Matthew 3:6).
In
doing this, John was preparing the way for the coming
of Jesus and His authority. Remember when Jesus was
baptized, God spoke from heaven and acknowledged Jesus
as His Son (Matthew 3:17). Jesus was baptized in
submission to the Father - this was God’s will. When
Jesus was baptized, God was pleased. So, what pleases
God? The submission of the Son (Hebrews 5:8-9).
Jesus,
has been given all authority (Matthew 28:18) He tells
His disciples to preach the gospel, baptize, and
continue teaching (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus even said
“He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark
16:16). Do you think God would be pleased if we refuse
to be baptized? If the Son of God submitted to God’s
right way to please the Father, how can we expect to
please the Father if we refuse to submit to baptism?
- Rob Albright serves as one of the ministers at the
Northwest Church of Christ in Greensboro, NC. He may
be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.nwchurchofchrist.com/
By
Kevin V. Rutherford
Have
you ever noticed that attitude and mental toughness
can enable an individual to overcome great odds and
obstacles? Sometimes the slower runner wins the
race. Sometimes the weaker man wins the fight.
Sometimes the less talented team takes the
championship. Why? Attitude is the answer.
Two
missionaries were doing some work on a remote
island. One of those missionaries was tall and thin.
The other missionary was the opposite in build. A
local islander spoke of how difficult it would be to
walk from one end of the island to the other. This
was true because in order to do so, one would have
to go through thick brush in some parts and climb a
mountain in the center of the island. He looked at
the two missionaries and told the tall and thin one
he wouldnt make it. Then he expressed his confidence
that the shorter, wider missionary would be able to
get across to the other side. Why? He knew the
shorter, wider missionary had the mental toughness
to complete the task.
A
Biblical example of this principle is found in 1
Samuel 14. Saul was king of Israel at the time. He
was ruling over a people who were being oppressed by
the Philistines. Things were not going well for
Israel when an event occurred which gave the Jews
courage and strength to turn the tide. Saul had a
son by the name of Jonathan who had a tough mental
attitude. His determination and will power came from
his faith in God. He and his armor bearer decided
they would go by themselves and attack the entire
Philistine garrison, Jonathan said, Come, let us go
over to the garrison of these uncircumcised it may
be that the Lord will work for us. For nothing
restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few (1
Samuel). Jonathan and his armor bearer climbed on
their hands and knees over a steep slope to get to
the Philistine garrison. Once at the top, the two
men quickly killed twenty men. The Philistines began
to panic which gave the other Jews courage. Soon the
entire Jewish army had joined the fight and the
Philistines were defeated.
Caleb
is a second example of this kind of mental toughness
that is based on complete trust and faith in God.
When the Jews refused to go into the land of Canaan
out of fear, Caleb stood against the cowards. The
Bible says, Then Caleb quieted the people before
Moses, and said, let us go up at once and take
possession, for we are well able to overcome it
(Numbers 13:30). God later said, concerning Caleb,
My servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit
in him and has followed Me fully, I will bring into
the land where he went and his descendants shall
inherit it (Numbers 14:24). This different spirit is
that mental toughness and determination that comes
from a strong faith in God. Caleb later showed this
great attitude again, when at the age of 85, Caleb
was ready to conquer the giant people of Anakim and
take the mountain upon which they lived.
We
need to see the spirit of Jonathan and Caleb in the
Lord's church today. Instead of complaining about
every little thing that goes wrong, we ought to make
up our minds that with the Lord's help we can
accomplish great things for Him. Is your faith in
God strong enough to give you an attitude of mental
toughness (Philippians 4:13)
- Kevin Rutherford preaches for the Warners Chapel
church of Christ in Clemmons, NC. He may be
contacted through the congregation's website: http://warnerschapelchurchofchrist.org/
