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The Gospel Observer
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the
nations...teaching them to observe all that I commanded you,
and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age"
(Matt. 28:19,20).
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April 26, 2015
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Contents:
1) Be Optimistic (R.J. Evans)
2) When You Feel Like Giving Up (Jesse Flowers)
3) What Can the Righteous Do? (Joe R. Price)
4) News & Notes
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-1-
Be Optimistic
by R.J. Evans
Optimism is defined as "an inclination to put the most favorable
construction upon actions and happenings or to anticipate the best
possible outcome" (Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary). To
be successful in most any endeavor, we must look at the bright side
with a spirit of optimism. The physician, the engineer, the
accountant, and the lawyer are all successful because they made up
their minds as to what they wanted to be, and then pursued that
field with an optimistic attitude. Many are failures because they
never make up their mind as to what they are going to do. Paul said,
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth"
(Col. 3:2). We need to optimistically set our minds on the spiritual
course that God has outlined for us. Some never do this. They remain
in a constant state of indecision and never commit themselves to a
responsible position in service to Christ.
The apostle Paul suffered so much for the cause of Christ. He was
imprisoned frequently, beaten, shipwrecked three times, often
hungry, thirsty, cold and naked (2 Cor. 11:23-28). Yet, Paul was
able to put the most favorable light on all these happenings, and
"anticipated the best possible outcome." He stated, "For our light
affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more
exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (2 Cor. 4:17). It is indeed a
remarkable thing, after all he suffered, that Paul called these
afflictions light. I'm afraid that if we were suffering only a
fraction of what he suffered, we would be inclined to call it a
"dreadful load." But the most severe tribulation and affliction are
nothing compared with the glory awaiting us. Hence, Paul could be
optimistic (and so can we, if we are faithful to God).
The Christian has so much for which to be thankful - redemption,
forgiveness, joy, hope, contentment, peace (just to mention a few).
He also has something wonderful toward which to look forward -
Heaven! Surely, this engenders optimism. We can have the attitude of
Paul: "I can do all" things through Christ which strengtheneth me"
(Phil. 4:13). With the strength derived from the Lord, we can face
everything in life with an optimistic spirit.
There is no adverse power greater or mightier than God. Therefore,
"If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31) When we
contemplate all that is meant in this passage, a warm, secure
feeling is produced in our hearts. How wonderfully bright things
become! We may lose our relatives, our earthly friends, our health,
but the Lord remains, "for he hath said, I will never leave thee nor
forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5).
"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every
good work" (2 Cor. 9:8). If our faith is in God, knowing he is
indeed able, we can and should have an optimistic outlook toward the
various aspects of life. He has provided salvation (Acts 4:12). In
time of temptation, he provides a way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). In
teaching and attempting to convert the lost, he gives the increase
(I Cor. 3:7). When we die in the Lord, there is rest provided from
our labors, and our works will follow us (Rev. 14:13). We could go
on and on!
Let's be optimistic! We have reason to be. Make the best of every
situation, set your spiritual goals, and then, reach forward and
achieve them! "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but
this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and
reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward
the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus"
(Phil. 3:13-14).
-- Via Guardian of Truth XXXII: 14, p. 429, July 21, 1988
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-2-
When You Feel Like Giving Up
by Jesse Flowers
1) When you feel like giving up because of the trials you are
suffering, remember righteous Job. He lost everything: his children,
his wealth, and his health (Job 1:13-2:8). In spite of all this
unimaginable grief and loss, Job held to his faith in God (Job
13:15). As James wrote of him: "Indeed we count them blessed who
endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end
intended by the Lord--that the Lord is very compassionate and
merciful" (5:11). Indeed we may suffer great trials in this life,
yet we must never forget that "the sufferings of this present time
are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
in us" (Romans 8:18). Like Job, let us endure.
2) When you feel like giving up because it seems like your righteous
efforts are to no avail, remember Elijah. This faithful prophet of
God boldly condemned the evil ways of Ahab and Jezebel.
Demonstrating great courage and faith he took on the 450 prophets of
Baal, proving them to be completely false (I Kings 18:17-40). In
spite of all his courageous efforts for good, he had to flee for his
life from Jezebel. In his great discouragement and distress he
expressed how he felt no better than his fathers, and that he was
the only man left in Israel that had remained loyal to God and His
covenant (I Kings 19:4,10). Elijah had done much good, and it was
not in vain. Seven thousand in Israel had not bowed the knee in
allegiance to Baal. He was not all alone. Furthermore, God still had
important work for him to do (19:15-18). In spite of disheartening
set backs, we must remember that we have work to do -- the Lord's
work. So "be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (I
Corinthians 15:58).
3) When you feel like giving up because you're weary and discouraged
in your soul, remember Jesus. Although one can receive much strength
and inspiration from the likes of Job and Elijah, there is no better
example that we can look to than Jesus Christ. "Therefore we also,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay
aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let
us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto
Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that
was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has
sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him
who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you
become weary and discouraged in your souls" (Hebrews 12:1-3). Look
to Jesus every day. When you feel weary and discouraged look to
Jesus even more. Consider all that He endured on our behalf that we
might be saved from our sins. So let us run this spiritual race with
endurance never losing sight of the joy that is set before us! When
you feel like giving up, remember Job, Elijah, and especially Jesus.
When you feel like giving up, don't! It will all be worth it in the
end (Rom. 8:18; Rev. 21:1-7)!
-- via The Word of Life, Dec. 19, 2010, (Vol. 3, No. 51)
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"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which
were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you,
be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written,
'YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY'" (1 Pet. 1:14-16).
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-3-
What Can the Righteous Do?
by Joe R. Price
Cries of intolerance and discrimination were heard this week in an
attempt to silence religious conscience in a small Indiana town. It
was all hypothetical. Memories Pizza in Walkerton, IN has never even
catered a wedding, much less been asked to do so by a same sex
marriage couple. Yet, when asked, the owners expressed their faith
and were labeled with all sorts of intolerant, hateful words and
deeds, forcing them to temporarily close.
How are Christians to react when they are challenged or even
attacked for their faith? Does "turning the other cheek" mean
remaining silent about one's convictions, if speaking out will
offend a particular group of sinners? Hardly. If that were the case,
then the gospel could never be preached, since some will always hate
the truth!
What are Christians to do in the face of increasing pressure to give
in and be "tolerant" of social sins?
1) First, realize the issue is not correctly defined by those who do
not know God. Do not be deceived by the one-sided charges of those
who do not respect God, as if they are the authorities on all
matters civil. The Scriptures are our standard of authority for
faith and practice. They teach us how to conduct ourselves, not LGBT
activists, the media, politicians, intellectuals, etc. (Col. 3:17; 2
Tim. 3:16-17).
2) Live your faith and stand up for truth. We cannot leave this
world of sin; we engage in commerce and many other activities with
sinners every day (1 Cor. 5:9-10). That does not mean we must be
silent; we must speak (Acts 5:19-20).
3) Like Jesus, lovingly call sinners to repentance. When Jesus ate
with sinners He was teaching them and they were following Him. He
was calling sinners to repentance (Matt. 9:9-13; Mk. 2:13-14; Lk.
15:1-2). He was falsely charged with tolerating sin when He ate with
sinners. He did no such thing. He spoke truth, and these were
listening to Him. We should do the same -- even when some refuse to
listen.
4) Like Jesus, do not have fellowship with sin. Condoning sin
instead of exposing it for what it is never saves the lost. By doing
so you compromise your faith (Eph. 5:8-13).
5) Pray for your enemies and be at peace with all as much as it
depends on you (Matt. 5:43-45; Rom. 12:17-18).
-- Via The Spirit's Sword, April 5, 2015, Volume 17, Number 39
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-4-
News & News
As mentioned in our last three bulletins, today is the day that
begins our gospel meeting with Phillip Owens.
Phillip will be presenting three lessons today, and then a lesson on
each of the three following nights, Monday through Wednesday.
Sunday services will be at the regular times, but we will be meeting
at 7:30 for the weeknights.
Jewell Wilson (Joyce Rittenhouse's mother) had a slight
stroke last Sunday and was admitted to the hospital. Her
condition as of yesterday was still very poor. Her gall bladder is
not functioning well and also contains a stone. Plus, she also
has other health problems.
Here are also some others for us who are Christians to be
remembering in prayer for their health: Myrna Jordan, Melotine
Davis and her mother Mary Vandevander, Marie
Pennock, Danielle Howard, Penny and Deborah Medlock, Jim Lively,
Shirley Davis, Doyle Rittenhouse, Jean Beach, Sunny Nichols,
Dexter Roberts, Betty Miles, Steve Vista, Buddy Gornto, Dolly
Moody, Rex and Frankie Hadley, Jesse Bailey, Sue Wooten, and
Colleen Henson.
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation
1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom.
10:17; John 20:30,31).
2) Believe in the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John
3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts
8:36-38).
5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins
(Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet.
3:21)
6) Continue in the faith; for, if not, salvation can
be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501
Sunday services: 9:00 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 5 PM (worship)
Wednesday: 7 PM (Bible class)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 614-8593
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/go
(Gospel Observer website)
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html
(audio sermons)