You Are Not Replaceable

By Adam Faughn

    Let’s be honest: in many areas of life, you can be replaced. That’s not to say that someone else is just like you, but it is to say that many of our roles in life will eventually be filled by someone else.
    Don’t believe me? Just quit your job and see if they don’t hire someone else.
    Even Oscar Meyer’s Wienermobile driver can be replaced. In fact, they are currently searching for a new “hotdogger” to drive the famous car all over the place.
    Know that we are replaceable can be depressing. It certainly is a shot to our ego; that’s for sure.
    But there are other areas of life–in fact, the most important areas–where you are simply not replaceable. Literally, no one else can do what you can do, and it is up to you to fulfill those roles.
    For example,

• No one else can be the mother or father to your children that you are.
• No one else can be the spouse that you are.
• No one else can reach and evangelize the people you can.
• No one else can fulfill the exact combination of roles in your local congregation that you can.
• No one else can stand before the Lord in judgment for you.

    When we look at things that way, don’t you feel not just important, but don’t you feel a great weight of responsibility and motivation?
    So, why not get out there, do those things that only you can do and do them to the very best of your ability! After all, if you don’t, literally no one else will!
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might...” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

- 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.

Unconditional Love

By Ron Adams

“I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
    Christians are admonished not to be conformed to this world. However, it is often difficult to be different and continue to be different from the world. We live in the world. We are surrounded by many people who are not transformed: relatives, neighbors, co-workers, people in leadership positions. Often they don’t understand or appreciate our holy calling, and their influence is great.
    While persecution of Christians is probably the most painful, it is not the most dangerous. The greatest threat to Christians is being “conformed to this world.” The major way such conformity happens is by Christians accepting the wisdom of this world.

Unconditional Love
    In an effort to have peace among men, unconditional acceptance, unconditional self-regard, unconditional self-acceptance, and unconditional love are being presented as a panacea. It sounds so non-judgmental, so loving, so caring. So much so, many who profess faith in Christ have been beguiled.
    Some think they find these concepts in Scripture, such as in Romans 5:8,“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” And Romans 15:7, “Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.”
    God’s love is unconditional. But does He regard man as okay in his sinful state? Does He accept us into His kingdom just the way we are?

Acceptance by God
    The love of God is boundless. He “so loved the world...that whoever...shall not perish, but have eternal life.” There is not a soul that is not loved by God. In His great love, He has provided a means of salvation to all mankind. But note, salvation is conditional: “whosoever believeth in Him.” Faith is a condition of acceptance by God. Faith in Jesus is a condition of salvation. “I said therefore to you, that you shall die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins.” John 8:24. Godly-living is a condition for having a part in the kingdom, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.

Self-Acceptance
    While it is good to accept ourselves for what we are, it must not be seen as an excuse for not changing for the better. “That’s just the way I am” is nothing more than a rationalization, a cop-out. God showered us with His love while we were sinners in order to free us from the guilt and practice of sin. He saves us from our sins, not in them. Repentance is a condition of salvation. 2 Peter 3:9, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Worldly Wisdom
    The term “unconditional love” as used by some today is nothing more than psycho-babble. The figment of the imagination. Worldly wisdom. The practical application of such a theory is a permissive attitude in amorally nonrestrictive atmosphere. The result is nothing less than all-out abandonment of accountability.
    Christians must not be taken in by such “wisdom” as “I’m okay, you’re okay...Accept me the way I am...We all have a right to be loved unconditionally.”
    May our conduct be like Paul’s, “For our proud confidence is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.”

- Ron Adams publishes F.Y.C., a monthly publication. 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. © 2020

Love Shows

By Joe Chesser
 
     It probably happens most often in college. Your friend walks into the room and you immediately know something is different. There is a radiance that wasn’t there before. The eyes are brighter. The face is joyful.There’s a bounce in their step. The friend has fallen in love … and, like Andy Rooney once said, “When you’re in love, it shows.”
    You really can’t hide love. It’s easy to see when a husband loves his wife. It’s easy to see when a grandma loves her grandchildren. It’s easy to see when a person loves their job. It’s easy to see when a fan truly loves the Cardinals. It’s easy to see when a family had a great vacation.
     And it’s just as easy to see when someone truly loves the Lord. It shows. You just can’t hide true love. When you love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind (Mark 12:30) it transforms you.
    You will never hide your light behind dark shades, keeping it to yourself, but will expose it for the whole world to see (Matthew 5:15-16).  Love shows.
     You will never have to be shamed or begged to meet with God’s people for worship, study and fellowship (Hebrews 10:25), but will long to be with the church whenever it gathers (Acts 2:42) – even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Love shows.
     You will use your words to encourage and build, rather than to criticize and destroy – no matter what others are saying about you (Ephesians 4:29). Love shows.
     You will treat your fellow Christians with greater care and concern than you treat yourself (Phil. 2:3-4). This will be evident to the whole world (John 13:35). Love shows.
     You will not get stingy, resentful or angry when an opportunity comes from the Lord to share your financial blessings with others (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). Love shows.
     You will not pass up opportunities to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, shelter strangers, clothe the needy, or visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:34-46). Love shows (and saves!).
     You will stay in constant communication with the Lord by prayer and study (1 Thessalonians 5:17; 2 Peter 3:17). Love shows.
     You will not keep the saving message from the lost, but will share the gospel with all you can for as long as you can (Matthew 28:19-20). Love shows.
     Other people can see how much you love the Lord. The Lord can see how much you love Him. The challenge is to be honest enough with yourself to look deeply in your own heart to see if love for the Lord is truly there. Remember, love shows.

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

Psalm 27—A Message in Life

By Ron Thomas

1. Life is in need of Courage. Some men prepare themselves for the battle ahead mus tering up courage to engage. For some, try as they might, it does not come easy. The  battle is engaged, they learn they had more within than they realized. Some Chris tians wonder about themselves when they face the enemy. Commitment to the Lord  means they are better prepared than they realize. 
2. Life is in need of Shelter. The battle is over, the scars are impressed on the body  and the mind. Lives are changed, sometimes not for the better. What to do? Stay  within oneself, seeking only self-consolation. Better still, turn to the Lord, though  one does not understand, there is understanding in the Lord. “O’ that I may dwell in  the house of the Lord forever.” It is there that I find the only relief that is long
lasting. 
3. Life is a great Teacher. The battle has been fought, the scars have made an impres sion, now how do I learn from these experiences to be a better person? So many ap peal to the Lord, but after the Lord has spoken, the Lord is not heard. To be a better  person, the Lord has to be THE teacher. There are experiences in life that are great  teaching moments, but what about the teachings moments that take us from this life  to the next? Come unto me, all ye that labor 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, ASV). 
4. Life’s Exhortation. You are prepared; you enjoy life and try to be a person of joy to  others around you. You have been taught by the Lord, so you try to teach others.  Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I  say, on the Lord (Psa. 27:14, KJV).

- Ron Thomas preacher for the Sunrush Church of Christ, Chillicothe, OH. He may be contacted through the congregation's website. http://sunrushchurchofchrist.com/

He Grew Up

By Adam Faughn

 
    Our world is in the hurry and bustle of the final days and hours before Christmas. Presents are being bought and wrapped, baking is being done, traveling is going on, and all sorts of other late-minute things are being completed so the holiday can be enjoyed by as many as possible.
    In the midst of all that preparation, many are also focusing on the birth of Jesus Christ. Certainly, we do not know the date on the calendar on which Jesus was born, but so many in our world are thinking about that event this time of year that it is to our advantage to speak even more openly and boldly about our faith. There is, in some ways, a clearer pathway to speak to people about Jesus when they are thinking about His birth during this time.
    What is difficult to get across to people, though, is that the baby in the manger grew up. Then, when that same baby was a man, He demanded so much of people and said things that are not always popular in our world. He told us that we have to guard our heart, or we are guilty of the most heinous of sins (see Matthew 5:23; 5:28; 5:44). He told us that families would be torn apart for following Him (Matthew 10:34-37). He made it clear that there is only one way to heaven (Matthew 7:13-14), and that only following Him would be that way (John 14:6).
    Ultimately, Jesus gave His life on the cross, but also demanded that we be willing to take up a cross each day, that we live in order to follow Him (Luke 9:23). Part of the life and teachings of Jesus is simply not what people want to hear, but we dare not shy away from the entirety of Who Jesus was (and is), and what He demands of people if they would be counted faithful and live eternally with Him in heaven.
    While so many are thinking about the baby Jesus in the manger, may we have the boldness to take this opportunity to boldly, yet lovingly, remind people that He grew up and that He is to be the Lord of all our lives. But we must also take every opportunity to show and remind people that following Him as Lord is not drudgery, but joy.

- 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.                   

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

The Value of Time

By Ron Bartanen

 
    Every turn of a calendar-page and every tick of a clock tells us that what has passed we will never undo, and we are responsible for what we have now. I have heard time described as “a section cut from the great circle of eternity.” We should view time as a priceless gift from God. As we soon go into the New Year of 2021, we should remind ourselves of time’s value. Once past, it can never be retrieved. It is ours now, but whether it will be ours one moment from now is in God’s hands. We have no binding claim upon time.
    The apostle Paul spoke of the value of time when he spoke of “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16). Time is not just the accumulation of seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years, but everything that time offers to us, including opportunities and privileges, and Paul, by inspiration, urges us to redeem such. Paul uses the language of the market-place  In the days, and even weeks, prior to Christmas, shoppers have been fervently in search of bargains, taking advantage of sales in stores and online, searching for best-buys  Should we be any less fervent in the pursuit of spiritual blessings that God has graciously made available to us?
    One opportunity that is overlooked by too many is the most valuable of all—the opportunity time offers us for salvation. Paul, in 2 Corinthians 6:2, reminds us, “Now is the accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation.” Here is truly the “best buy” of all—salvation, a gift already paid for with the blood of Christ, as Peter reminds Christians: of the fact that we are redeemed (purchased) “with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19).
    The opportunity of salvation is ours as God’s gift to man, but the acceptance of this gift rests with us. As Paul said, “Now is the accepted time…day of salvation,” but multitudes pass by this priceless gift as they seek the pleasures and treasures that will one day be no more. May all of us be reminded, “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:16-17). As we conclude the present year, and enter into the New Year, may we accept the gift that abides forever, “redeeming the time.”

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