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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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July 5, 2015
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Contents:
1) Light a Lamp (Dennis Ross)
2) Glory to the Reader or the Writer? (David Diestelkamp)
3) News & Notes
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-1-
Light a Lamp
by Dennis Ross
It is written, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses
its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing
but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. You are the
light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a
lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and
glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:13-16). The word
translated candle in verse 15 literally means lamp. Candles, as we
know them today, were unknown during the days when the early
Christians lived. Note the following quotations from the Baker
Encyclopedia of the Bible; pgs. 1303, 1304:
"The clay bowl was fashioned first, and the rim was folded over to
help contain the oil. A spout was pinched in place at one end, into
which the wick would be placed. When the clay dried, the lamp would
be fired to a dull brown shade. The wick was generally made of flax,
although an old piece of linen cloth was sometimes used. Salt could
be added to the wick for a brighter flame, and frequently extra
wicks were used. Olive oil provided the commonest form of lamp fuel,
and the average lamp could hold enough oil to burn through the
night. Despite this, the housewife would have to get up several
times to tend the wick and keep her precious lamp lit." See Proverbs
31:18.
During the days of the early Christians, some lamps bore
inscriptions, such as: "The light of the Lord shines to all;" "The
Lord is my light," (or "beautiful light"). Lamps were frequently
used in funeral rites, and have been found in burial places. (Cf.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)
Some vivid applications can be drawn from the "lamp."
The Lamp Is Lit! "The clay bowl was fashioned first." Before
our lights can shine, we must become "vessels" for God. And it is
God who, through His Word, creates true "vessels unto honor" who can
truly carry His light. Thus, it is written, "For we are His
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath
before ordained that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). Until
one obeys the Gospel of Christ, he remains "unlit." "For Thou wilt
light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness" (Psalm
18:28).
While many claim to be Christians, God knows those who really are.
"Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal:
The Lord knows those who are His, and, Let everyone who names the
name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are
not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some
for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore, if anyone cleanses
himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified
and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work" (2 Timothy
2:19-21). Have you "prepared" yourself to let God's true light shine
through you?
The Lamp Burns Brightly! "It giveth light unto all that are
in the house." Thus was the light in the upper chamber where the
disciples gathered to worship God. "And upon the first day of the
week, when the disciples came together to break bread..." (Acts
20:7).
Something else--the lights of the Christians--burned brightly in
that upper chamber; and their light illuminated God's house! Does
your light burn brightly in the assembly, or is it habitually dark
in the seat you should fill? "These things I write to you, though I
hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that
you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God,
which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the
truth" (1 Timothy 3:14,15). What is your attitude toward God's
house? Does your light shine on all who are in His house? Note
carefully the following scriptures:
* David said he was happy to go to the house of the Lord (Psalm
122:1).
* Paul told the Galatian Christians to do good to all
men--especially the brethren (Galatians 6:10).
* The Hebrew writer encouraged brethren to, by meeting with the
saints, provoke one another to "love and good works" (Hebrews
10:24,25).
* We are also instructed to "hold fast" to this attitude until
the end (Hebrews 3:5,6).
How bright does your light shine in God's house?
Lamps Emit a Sweet Aroma! Today, instead of lamps, we use
candles. And some of these have added fragrances that, when burned,
emit an aroma that fills the house with a sweet smell. As we burn
brightly for the Lord, do we produce an "aroma" that is a
"sweet-smelling savor?"
Old Testament sacrifices had an "aroma" about them. One of the first
about which we read concerns Noah. "And Noah built an alter unto the
Lord; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and
offered burnt offerings on the alter. And the Lord smelled a sweet
savor; ..." (Genesis 8:20,21). We should be "living sacrifices" unto
God, and He should smell a sweet savor from these living sacrifices.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable (spiritual) service" (Romans 12:1).
Also of interest is what Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 2:15-16: "For
we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and
in them that perish: to the one we are the savor of death unto
death; and to the other the savor of life unto life. And who is
sufficient for these things?" Do our lives give off the "fragrances"
of death and life? Are we, like our Savior, a "sweet-smelling
savor"? It is written: "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear
children; and walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath
given Himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a
sweet-smelling savor" (Ephesians 5:1-2).
How Long Will the Lamp Remain Lit? Before you read further,
please study Matthew 25:1-13. The wise virgins made preparation, and
took oil with them. I liken the oil to God's Word. We need to be
constantly "renewing" the oil supply to our lamps; so that we will
not run short, as did the foolish virgins. Regarding the exhortation
to be living sacrifices, it is written, "And be not conformed to
this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that
ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of
God" (Romans 12:2). Let us endeavor to ensure the brightness of our
lamps for as long as we live.
"The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by
reason of strength, they be fourscore years, yet is their strength
labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. So teach
us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom"
(Psalm 90:10,12). Truly, life is like a vapor (Cf. James 4:14-17).
How then are you living your life before God? Are you applying your
heart to wisdom? "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools,
but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the
Lord is" (Ephesians 5:15-17). Let's be certain our lamps are always
lit!!!
-- Via the Monthly Messenger of the Knollwood church of Christ,
January 2004
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-2-
Glory to the Reader or the Writer?
by David Diestelkamp
The fruit fly has long been the mainstay of biomedical research. An
article in the April 3, 2000 Newsweek lauds the scientific
breakthrough of reading "almost all of the chemical letters -- 165
million of them -- that make up its DNA." It is called "an
impressive technical feat in its own right."
My marvel at the technological accomplishments of man falls far
short of my awe for the One who took nothing and made all that man
is discovering. The science of man is simply reading what God has
written. And we are still in the primary reader stage at that --
humans have almost 20 times more DNA than fruit flies!
"I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well" (Psa.
139:14).
-- Via The Beacon, June 30, 2015
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-3-
News & News
Let us who are Christians be remembering the following in prayer:
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Jessica
Elaine Parker who was fatally struck by a train last Sunday
morning, here in Waycross. She was only 41.
Tom Holland has been in the hospital since June 16, due to
some complications following two heart valve replacements. The
second one required open heart surgery; and, for about a month, he
had to be on a ventilator.
Shirley Davis has had three blockages in her foot
recently. The doctor was able to eliminate one of them, and
told her to keep off her feet for a while.
Judy Daugherty's severe fall to the head had led to a spinal
problem affecting her nervous system and having caused some
immobility, which we pray is only temporary.
Raylee Metts, who is only 5 years old, has been
diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma that has led to tumors in many places
and has begun receiving chemo.
Lexi Crawford, who is only 14 years old, is also undergoing
chemo treatments.
Steve Vesta continues receiving hospice care.
The shut-ins: Mary Vandevander, Sue Wooten, and Jewell
Wilson
And others to remember in prayer: Ronnie Crews, Sunny Nichols,
Jean Beach, Dexter Roberts, Betty Miles, Buddy Gornto, Dolly Downs
Moody, Jesse Bailey, Colleen Henson, Donell Wells, and
Kelsey Williams.
Let us also not forget our elderly and those of our
number who have chronic ailments.
The Ladies' Bible Class meets every Tuesday in the building
at 7 PM. All ladies are welcomed.
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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)
https://thegospelobserver.wordpress.com/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html
(audio sermons)