The Obedient Rechabites

By R.W. McAlister
     Jeremiah was sent to warn rebellious Judah of the need to repent and obey. The weeping prophet is told to: “Go unto the house of the Rechabites, and speak unto them, and bring them into the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink” (Jer. 35:1-2).
     The Rechabites were the decedents of Rechab, the father of Jonadab. Evidently, before Jonadab died, he taught his children about morality. “Jonadab, the son of Rechab our father, commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink no wine, neither ye, nor your sons for ever.” (Jer. 35:6-7).
     When Jeremiah instructed them to “drink wine,” these descendants refused Jeremiah’s offer for this reason: “Thus have we obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab our father in all that he hath charged us” (Jer. 35:8a). Through Jeremiah, God holds the Rechabites up as an example of obedience before Judah.
     First, the Rechabites were obedient in spite of the circumstances. Surrounded by worldly Judah, these Rechabites could easily have given in to the temptation around them. After all, if “God’s people” could drink wine, commit adultery, worship false god’s, etc., then why shouldn’t the Rechabites? The Rechabites were an example of faithful obedience in the midst of sin.
      Second, the Rechabites were obedient because they respected the command of their fathers. The command was plain. One of the reasons why men fail to obey the Lord today is because they take a command of God and treat it as a suggestion. Consider the simple command that we “repent and be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Most people acknowledge the need to repent, but few recognize the essentiality of baptism. They feel it’s done after sins are remitted, but the Bible makes it plain that immersion (baptism) is “for” (unto) the remission of sins. Those who believe baptism is nonessential to salvation have made a command of God a matter of choice.
     Third, the Rechabites were obedient because they were committed. They were united in their devotion to God and realized the importance of teaching their families the same kind of commitment and dedication (v.8). 1) They obeyed all that their father commanded; 2) they obeyed the command their whole life; 3) they taught it to all their descendants.
     Fourth, the Rechabites were obedient because they knew there were consequences to their actions. In her disobedience, Judah would face punishment; but the obedient Rechabites would live (Jer. 35:19). “…whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal. 6:7-8). Therein lies the difference.
     Dear Soul, why not obey your Lord today? Cultivate within yourself the heart of these Rechabites.

 - 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/

What Is Faith?

By Travis L. Quertermous
     Do you believe in God? Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God? Most Americans that are polled say “yes” to those questions? Does that mean a person has true faith in God or Christ? The Biblical answer is “no.”
     To be sure, one cannot have true faith without believing those two things, but that alone does not mean one has a Biblical, saving faith. One of the best chapters in the Bible on this subject is the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, often called “Faith’s Hall of Fame.”  Consider the definition of faith given in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” This verse teaches us that saving faith has three components: (1) intellectual acceptance of certain truths like the existence of God; (2) trust in the promises of God; and (3) obedience to the word of God. If any one of these is lacking, true faith does not exist.
     Abraham is given as an example: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would afterward receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Heb. 11:8). Do you have a true faith that trusts and obeys the commandments of the Lord? Why not let us help you in that spiritual journey?

- Travis L. Quertermous preaches for the church of Christ in Dexter, MO.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website:   http://www.dexterchurchofchrist.com/

Be Kinder Than Necessary!

     Mary and her husband Jim had a dog, Lucky. Lucky was a real character.  Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy.
     Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing.  Mary or Jim would go to Lucky's toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky's favorite toys. Lucky  always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box.
     It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer.  Something told her she was going to die of this disease, she was just sure it was fatal..  She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders.  The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her.. .what would happen to Lucky?  Although the three-year-ol d dog liked Jim, he was Mary's dog through and through. If I die,
      Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won't understand that  I didn't want to leave him. The thought made her sadder than thinking of  her own death.
      The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim  took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable.
      Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn't even make it up the  steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap.
     Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn't come to her when she  called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed.  When Mary woke, for a second she couldn't understand what was wrong. She couldn't move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panic soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally blanketed, with every treasure Lucky owned!
     While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip  to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying.  Instead  she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every night. It's been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free.
      Isn't that a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ?? Just when we  think things are at their worst, He covers us with Love, giving us the strength and courage we need to forge ahead. Lucky? He still steals treasures  and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure.
    Live everyday to the fullest. The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.
    Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

- via THE SOWER, a weekly publication of the Arthur church of Christ, Arthur, IL. Ron Bartanen, who serves as minister and editor, may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.arthurchurchofchrist.com

Bitterness

By Paul Darety
     Elimelech and Naomi and their two sons went to the land of Moab (Ruth 1:1). Elimelech died leaving Naomi and her two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, to take care of her. The two boys in turn married Orpah and Ruth. Mahlon and Chilion then died leaving Naomi and her two daughters-in-law to get along for themselves. Naomi set her face to return home to Judah. She told her daughters-in-law to return to their home for she could not help them any more. Orpah tearfully left Naomi but Ruth stayed with her. When Naomi arrived at her homeland there were those that called her by her name. However, she asked that she be called Mara or bitter because the Lord had dealt bitterly with her (Ruth 1:20).
     How often have you felt the pains of bitterness? Many are bitter but never realize they are making people around them miserable. Bitterness in an individual usually arises when life has not been what they may determine as “fair” to them. They may feel as if they have been cheated by something that someone else has done. They may even feel that their rights have been violated. Or still they may develop a bitter feeling toward another when they feel like they have been “dumped on” by others. What can one do that feels bitter towards life or others?
     First, understand why you feel bitter. Are your feelings correct? Are you justified in feeling that way? Has life and others treated you any more unfairly than they have any other? The answer you will often find is that you are no different than anyone else.
     Second, put away any bitter feelings that you may have. Don’t let it eat at you and destroy your life. Put it away (Eph. 4:31).
     Third, stop comparing your life to what you think is the perfect life. Realize you are no different than any other person (2 Cor. 10:12).
     Fourth, get up and do something for someone else. Your eyes will be opened, your senses will be made more aware, and your mind will begin to become a little less sensitive to self and a little more aware of the plight of others. Don’t set your mind solely on self.
     Yes, we do grow bitter from time to time. Just put your faith in God and be assured that all things will work together for good (Rom. 8:28).

- Paul Darety, Dickson, TN; via The Encourager, the weekly bulletin for the Calvert City church of Christ, Calvert City, KY.  Lance Cordle preaches for the congregation.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.calvertchurchofchrist.com

Bible Study?

By C.M.Callan

     I suppose there are some questions that just have to go unanswered as we plod along the road of life.  Some of these questions are of major significance but most are just queries we would like to have  answered.  As an elder God has charged me with the spiritual oversight of the congregation (along with the other elders) and this has raised a question that gives me a lot of worry time.  Perhaps you have the answer.
      The question is simply this:  If a person is truly converted to be a follower of Jesus and claims to be a Christian in all of its glorious biblical definitions, then why do so many not take advantage of Sunday morning classes and Wednesday evening bible study?  If we are truly dedicated to follow Jesus then surely we would want to be present for any opportunity to get closer to our Master.  Christianity is not something you do for one hour on Sunday morning, it is a way of life.  It should be so important that every question or decision that comes up in our life should first be screened though the “Jesus filter”.
      Yes, I am well aware there are legitimate reasons for one to be absent from these studies, but just think about it.  If Jesus was going to be present in person, would you make an effort to be there?  Well, He has promised to be there in spirit (Matthew 18:20).  Surely that should be enough motivation for you to change you habits.  If you are truly converted to Christ, then you will always want to be where He is.  You are correct, there is no scripture that says you must be present for all bible studies, but why would you not want to be?
      Here are ten reasons I have heard for not going to class.  I am sure there are many others, but these should be enough to see how absurd some of them are.

1. I already know all the bible I need to know.
2. Sunday morning is the only morning I can sleep late.
3. Wednesday evening is when I watch my favorite TV program.
4. Sitting two hours on Sunday morning is just too long for me.
5. There is no command for it in the bible.
6. The teacher is boring or hard to understand.
7. I am just too tired to go on Wednesday night.
8. The church benches are just too hard to sit that long
9. Just never got in the habit of going.
10. All they do is argue over minute points that I have no interest in.

     I know it is not for me or the elders to judge your motive, but when the seats are empty in the class, we have to ask the question, why?

- C.M.Callan serves as an elder for the Rotan church of Christ in Rotan, Texas. He may be contacted at drcall@sbcglobal.net

Kinder, Gentler Marriages

By Travis L. Quertermous

    The famous British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was once accosted by a woman. “Mr. Churchill,” she shouted, “If you were my husband, I would poison your soup!”
    Churchill didn’t miss a beat. “Madam,” he replied, “If you were my wife, I would drink the soup!” Though a funny story, it also illustrates one of the biggest problems in many marriages and families, and that is the utter lack of respect, kindness, and gentleness. The apostle Paul wrote, “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Eph. 5:33). Also, the apostle Peter taught, “Likewise you husbands, dwell with them with understanding, giving  honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7).
     Think for a moment how much arguing and abuse would stop at home if more spouses practiced those two simple verses of Scripture! Let us all resolve to treat our mates with greater respect and kindness.

- Travis L. Quertermous preaches for the church of Christ in Dexter, MO.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website:   http://www.dexterchurchofchrist.com/

Growing In Spiritual Maturity

By Timothy E. Davis

“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready for it.” 1 Corinthians 3:2 (NIV)
     Our niece is fighting attempts to shift her diet from formula in a bottle to baby food.  She is failing to embrace the change. She wants to stay in her comfort zone. In much the same way, the work of God suffers tremendously from our spiritual immaturity. God needs mighty spiritual warriors; not a bunch of spiritual cowards.  Jehovah needs elite Special Forces spiritual warriors. We are to battle Satan at every turn, waging an unending war against him and his unseen forces of darkness. Instead, we cower in the corner while Lucifer mocks us.
    Spiritual warriors must train constantly to be effective. You can not take a soldier who has not been to the weapons range in two years and put him into the middle of a firefight. He is useless without that training. Some Christians among us appear to have formed a new denomination, "Christian Minimalists". They steadfastly believe in doing the absolute minimum they can for the cause of Our Redeemer. Unfortunately, the body of Christ is full of them. The Holy Scriptures predict their fate. It tells us they will be saved, but as a man escaping through a fire.
     Our spiritual Coach, God, keeps telling us he wants us in the starting line up. Our Father tells us we are ready. He promises to be right there on the sidelines giving instructions and tips. We are told if we get confused, we can call a time out and come directly to Him to talk. But we say no, Coach, send in someone else. I am just happy to be on the team. This bench is real comfortable. I feel safe here. It is what I am used to.
     When we limit Our Messiah to Sundays and Wednesdays, we are sitting on the spiritual bench. We are stubbornly refusing to grow spiritually. We tell Jehovah to send someone else in when we fail to study our Bibles every day. We wallow in our spiritual immaturity when we fail to spend quiet time with the Lord. We drink babies milk when we forget that prayer, like any other conversation, is a two way street. It requires both speaking AND listening. How can the Master use us for mighty things when we will not even do the small things He asks of us? How can we shake the foundations of Hell and make demons flee when our Bibles gather dust and we forget to take to our knees daily to pour out our hearts to Our Heavenly Father?
     It is long past time for us to stop being spiritual infants. It is long past time for us to live up to our spiritual potential. Want to see revival in your church? Get off the spiritual milk! Want to see the Holy Spirit move in your life? Move on to the solid spiritual food of a mature believer!

- Timothy E. Davis submitted this article to BulletinGold, along with the simple request that he be contacted should you choose to utilize it in your local bulletin.  He may be contacted at ted400us@yahoo.com  Copyright 2007 Timothy E. Davis.