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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 6, 2018
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Contents:
1) Satire Versus Sarcasm (R.J. Evans)
2) Everyone Counts (Greg Gwin)
3) News & Notes
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-1-
Satire Versus Sarcasm
R.J. Evans
We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are
weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are
dishonored” (1 Cor. 4:10).
Satire can be a very effective method of teaching when dealing with
the errors and shortcomings of others. The main purpose of the
satirist is to mock the faults of others in a witty, ironic way so
that they might benefit from it. Satire can be found in every type
of literature throughout all the ages. There are instances when
satire is used in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments (1
Kgs. 18:27; 1 Cor. 4:7-10).
In defining satire, the word “sarcasm” appears. Certainly, in one
sense, a satire is simply the use of sarcasm. But, there can also be
a difference in the usages of the two. Sarcasm often involves a
cutting, hostile, or contemptuous remark; the use of caustic or
ironic language. We might consider the use of sarcasm as it has to
do with the one who continually replies to another with a biting or
cutting remark. When this is the case, the person who is being
sarcastic is not really trying to help others—he is simply putting
them down in an effort to further inflate his own ego. Usually, the
results are that the person who is cut down by the sarcastic remark
becomes hostile by what has been said to him, as well as becoming
indignant toward the person who is being sarcastic. Nothing
beneficial is accomplished by this! Proverbs 15:1 comes to mind – “A
soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
We may use satire when it is motivated by an attitude of love and
helpfulness, and be very effective. But we must guard against using
sarcasm in a hurtful, rude, obnoxious manner. The latter should not
characterize the child of God. We are to have hearts that are filled
with compassion towards others. “Finally, all of you be of one mind,
having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be
tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Pet. 3:8).
We must have a disposition of kindness toward one another (Eph.
4:32), with love being the reigning principle in our lives (1 Cor.
13). The next time we make some sarcastic remark to another, we
should ask ourselves, Did I say that in love with the intention of
helping that person, or was I trying to get in a “little dig,” or
was I just trying to be “cute”? “Love suffers long and is kind; love
does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does
not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no
evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears
all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all
things” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
The Apostle Paul tells Christians to “Let no corrupt communication
proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary
edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29).
May we all seek to use words that are fitly spoken. “A word fitly
spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11).
— via the bulletin of the Southside church of Christ, Gonzales, LA,
November 13, 2017
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-2-
Everyone Counts!
Greg Gwin
Our country accomplished some incredible things during the hard
trials of World War II. The feats of brave men and women who faced
the enemy on the battlefields inspires us. But there is also amazing
historical data that documents the amount of war materials and
supplies that were produced in relatively short periods of time
right here on the home front. With limited resources that sometimes
required rationing, and without the advantages of the technology we
now enjoy, the nation’s “war machine” turned out essential equipment
at a staggering pace. How was this done?
The key to this effort was a campaign to convince every single
worker of his or her importance to the ultimate goal of defeating
the enemy and winning the war. The leaders of our country
successfully persuaded everyone to work hard, make sacrifices and
contribute what they could to this end. The results were amazing.
Against huge odds, the victory was won.
We are in another sort of a war. There are no tanks, planes, bombs
or missiles. We do not need workers preparing bullets or medical
supplies. There’s no need for rationing of gasoline or other
necessary products. Instead, we are in a spiritual war (2 Cor.
10:3,4). We battle against a very real and powerful enemy (1 Peter
5:8).
To win this war, we definitely need every Christian fully engaged.
Everyone counts! We cannot afford to have some of our vital workers
slacking off in their duties. We must all “endure hardness, as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). Diligent effort,
significant sacrifice, and determined commitment to the cause are
essential. Every Christian serves in a critical capacity (Eph.
4:15,16).
Some might suggest that the odds against us are overwhelming. But in
truth, with God on our side, the enemy is doomed! As Elisha told his
fearful servant: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than
they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16).
— Via the bulletin of the Collegevue church of Christ, Columbia,
Tennessee, January 14, 2018
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-3-
News & Notes
I’m happy to say that Charles Crosby’s pathology report on
Friday showed all infection gone! And a doctor also told Kathy that
things went well for Charles’ surgery!
Let us also continue to remember in prayer Belinda Medlock (Bennie
Medlock’s sister-in-law) who recently had a stroke and will be
receiving a pacemaker, due to her heart working at only 35%.
Let us also continue praying for Rick Cuthbertson (Jim &
Martha Lively’s son-in-law) who was recently diagnosed with cancer
in his liver. He will be having surgery May 27.
I (Tom Edwards) appreciate everyone’s prayer for my recent
colonoscopy. I’m glad to say that there was no cancer, nor any
polyps. Next up on the list for me will be hernia surgery, which
I'll be seeing my primary physician about May 14 for professional
advice.
Others to also continue to remember in prayer: Jim Lively,
Shirley Davis, Deborah Medlock, Rex & Frankie Hadley, A.J.
& Pat Joyner, Misty & Jason Thornton, Michelle
Rittenhouse, and Mary Vandevander.
WordPress version of this week's bulletin:
https://thegospelobserver.wordpress.com/2018/05/06/the-gospel-observer-may-6-2018/
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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: 2 p.m.
(Ladies' Bible class) (New Time)
Wednesday: 7 p.m.
(Bible class)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards
(912) 614-8593
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