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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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May 7, 2017
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Contents:
1) Timeless Benefits of the Old Testament (Tom Edwards)
2) News & Notes
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-1-
Timeless Benefits of the Old Testament
Tom Edwards
Even though we are not under the Patriarchal nor Mosaical Laws
today, and we live in a different time and culture, yet does not a
reading of the Old Testament, and the seeing of God's dealings with
His people and what He required of them, also help us in developing
the right attitude toward God and spiritual things? For does
not the reading of that also enable us to have a deeper
understanding of the Lord, to be more aware of His reality, to
realize more the seriousness of sin and the need to obey God by not
adding to nor taking away from His word, to be more humble in view
of the Lord's far-surpassing greatness, to be more reverent, to be
more concerned for spiritual things, and to be more submissive to
the will of God for our time?
We are to be mindful of the things above – to set our affection upon
those things (cf. Col. 3:1-3); and looking to the Holy Scriptures
helps us to do just that! And is it not spiritual thoughts
that are required to help us be spiritual people? In writing
to the Corinthians, Paul acknowledges, "Now we have received, not
the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we
may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also
speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by
the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words" (1
Cor. 2:12,13). By our reading, we are acquiring those same
divine truths that had been miraculously revealed in time's past
(cf. Eph. 3:3-5). And that same Spirit also led men into
writing the Old Testament. For “no prophecy of Scripture is a matter
of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act
of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2
Pet. 2:20,21). Paul also wrote that “All Scripture is inspired
by God” and went on to say that it is “profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that the
man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim.
3:16,17). In the same context, Paul had previously told
Timothy “...that from childhood you have known the sacred writings
which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation
through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (v. 15).
The Old Testament is filled with numerous prophecy that came to
fulfillment in New Testament times and, thus, indicates the divine
inspiration of the Bible. It has been said that there are about 332
prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Christ alone! Some
of these are specific, such as the place of Jesus’ birth being
in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2); the exact amount of 30 pieces of
silver that He was betrayed for, and the potter's field it ended up
going to (Zech. 11:12,13; Matt. 26:14-16; 27:3-10); and the piercing
of His hands and feet (Psa. 22:16; Mk. 15:25; Luke 24:36-40),
etc. These prophecies and their fulfillments are one of the
evidences that help us to believe in God and in His word.
And for those who think we should not study that part of the Bible,
the Old Testament is actually quoted or alluded to hundreds of times
in the New Testament! For example, in 1 Corinthians 10, Paul
is referring back to Israel, shortly after they came out of Egyptian
bondage, and points out specific sins they had so soon become guilty
of. He then declares, “Now these things happened as examples
for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved”
(v. 6). He then gives a similar statement in verse 10 and
includes that these Old Testament examples “were written for our
instruction...”
God's word – even in the Old Testament -- can help us in many
ways. For one of those, have you ever felt a little depressed,
but then began reading the book of Psalms, that hymn book of ancient
Israel, and soon found your spirit uplifted and joining in with the
psalmist in praises and appeals to the Almighty God?
In reading of the miracles in the Old Testament, do you do so with
unbelief or with a humbleness, a childlike faith, and a somewhat
amazement in taking to heart these supernatural events that God had
brought about? To the believer, these miracles bring to our
attention and help us realize that “all things are possible with
God” (Mark 10:27) and “Nothing is too difficult” for Him (Jer.
32:17) – and this is the God to whom we His children pray!
In the Old Testament, some major questions are answered. Here
are three of them:
1) “How did the universe, man, and all living things come about?”
The very first chapter in the Bible answers this: “In the beginning
God created the heavens and the earth” (v. 1); and chapters 1 and 2
show that it did not take eons of time for Him to do so. For
it was “in the beginning” that God created the heavens and the
earth; and that “beginning” is not the beginning of God – for He is
eternal – but it is the beginning of creation itself. For
time, as we know it, is accurately regulated by the creation (cf.
Gen. 1:14-16). We also note that the earth was not formed more
than 9 billion years after the beginning of the universe. Nor
did man (as more like humans today) first come into existence more
than 4 billion years after the earth was made (or more than 13
billion years after the universe began). For man was made on
the 6th day of creation (Gen. 1:24-31). And hear how Jesus
refers to this in Mark 10:6: “But from the beginning of creation,
God made them male and female.” How could it be said that man
was made at the “beginning of creation,” if he didn't come to exist
until more than 13 billion years later? You can believe what
men may hypothesize and say about this or you can believe the words
of Jesus, but who do you think is right? I would advise you to
go with the One who knows what He is talking about – Jesus Christ
the Creator (cf. Jn. 1:1-3,14; Col. 1:15,16).
2) “What is the reason – if there is a reason – for our being
here?” The Old Testament also makes that clear: “Let us
hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his
commandments: for this is the whole duty of man” (Eccl.
12:13). Man was made for God (cf. Isa. 43:21), for His purpose
(cf. Prov. 16:4), and for His glory (cf. Isa. 43:7).
3) “Will we exist beyond the grave?” Job rhetorically
asks, “If a man dies, will he live again?” In the same verse,
he then continues by saying, “All the days of my struggle I will
wait Until my change comes” (Job 14:14). Yes, Job knew that
death does not end it all. For he also declares, “Even
after my skin is destroyed, Yet from my flesh I shall see God” (Job
19:26). King David also believed in life after death. In
speaking of his deceased child, David explained, “But now he has
died; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to
him, but he will not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). Though our
body dies, yet we (our eternal souls) will always exist! Those
Old Testament believers referred to in Hebrews 11:16 also believed
in the hereafter in that “better country, that is a heavenly one”
where God had prepared them a “city.”
And how else does the Old Testament help in our relationship with
the Lord? What about in reading of those whose faith in God
and love for Him enabled them to take such a strong stand for His
ways and maintain an unwavering commitment toward the Lord – and
regardless of the jeopardy, the physical pain, or even the death
which that could lead to? Are we not encouraged and motivated
by them? Is our faith not strengthened? Such as in
hearing the case of the three friends of Daniel -- Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abed-nego -- who chose to be thrown into the fiery
furnace, rather than sin against the Almighty God by bowing down in
idolatrous worship to the 90-foot golden image that Nebuchadnezzar,
the Babylonian king, had made. Are we not moved by their
dedication? The command had been given: "that at the
moment you hear the sound of the horn, flute, lyre, trigon,
psaltery, bagpipe and all kinds of music, you are to fall down and
worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up.
But whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast
into the midst of a furnace of blazing fire" (Dan. 3:5,6).
When it was brought to the king's attention that Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abed-nego would not comply, Nebuchadnezzar was infuriated and
ordered that those three be brought before him. The king was
willing to give them another chance to save their lives. But
they responded, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an
answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is
able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will
deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it
be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or
worship the golden image that you have set up" (Dan. 3:16-18).
That is truly commitment! Maintaining a right relationship
with God meant something of great importance to these three loyal
and dedicated followers. To them, it was a top priority!
And it should be that to us as well. Reading of their example
can also increase that kind of incentive in every true believer.
As we read the Old Testament, even in silence, God sees our hearts,
knows our reactions, is aware of our devotion toward Him. Like
some type of spiritual umbilical cord, these positive reactions
-- including our reverence, our worshipful respect, our
admiration, and our faith and love toward God -- stem from our
hearts all the way up to the heart of God in heaven. As His
children, we are connected to Him.
In speaking of the Old Testament, Paul says that it was “written for
our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement
of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). And
now we are also seeing various other benefits from it.
So let us not neglect our study of the Old Testament, realizing that
much good for our spiritual development and well-being can come from
that as well.
(All Scripture from the NASB)
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News & Notes
We are happy and grateful that Gary Cradick was able
to recently receive a double lung transplant and is now in the
healing process on that road that leads to complete recovery.
I imagine he would appreciate our prayers as he journeys to better
health -- and may all go well for him along the way!
Kelli Fleeman had recently been in the hospital due to
lymphoma; but on a good note, it is just in one spot; but had caused
a lump and infection in her throat, which interfered with her
talking, eating, and breathing. She began chemo Friday to
shrink and eliminate her problem and will have another treatment
this coming Friday. She is now breathing better, but still is
having trouble with talking and eating (though she did manage some
pudding and jello).
Michelle Rittenhouse is now using a new heart monitor that
will detect more than the previous one, in order to better determine
her condition.
Rachael Gerbing (Michelle's daughter) recently passed
out. It was discovered that she, though only about 19, also
has a heart problem. Hers is arrhythmia, and she will soon be
having more tests for it.
Due to a tiny blood vessel that broke in Jim Lively's eye,
he now has blurry vision; but that should soon clear.
Sunny Nichols had been in the hospital for about a week
recently, followed by a week in a nursing home for rehab. She had
stroke-like symptoms, but doctors have not yet determined the actual
cause. She is now back home.
Let us also remember in prayer: Lexi Crawford, Kay Byars, Judy
Daugherty, Shirley Davis, Jim Lively, Mary Vandevander, La
Donna Andrews, James dlock, Buddy Gornto, Billy Lowe, and
Tom Haney
The Walnut Street church of Christ in Jesup will be having a
gospel meeting May 11-13 with the theme of “Revive Us
Again!” Services will begin at 7 p.m. for Thursday and Friday,
and at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. for Saturday. The speaker will be Dan
Chaney of Ocala, Florida. The church meets at 567 Walnut
Street, Jesup, GA.
WordPress version of this week's bulletin:
https://thegospelobserver.wordpress.com/2017/05/10/the-gospel-observer-may-7-2017/
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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, living for the Lord; 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 a.m. (Bible class); 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.
(worship)
Tuesday: 7 p.m. (Ladies' Bible class)
Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Bible class)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 614-8593
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thegospelobserver.wordpress.com (Gospel Observer website with
pictures in WordPress)
http://thomastedwards.com/go (Older version of Gospel Observer
website without pictures, but back to March 1990)
http://tebeaustreetchurchofchrist.org/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons)