The Gospel Observer

January 5, 2025 / Tom Edwards

“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” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).
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Contents:

1) An A.I. called “ChatGPT” Gives the Plan of Salvation, Based on Only the Bible (David Cambridge and ChatGPT)
2) Sword Tips #66 (Joe R. Price)

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An A.I. called “ChatGPT” Gives the Plan of Salvation, Based on Only the Bible

David Cambridge and ChatGPT

As shown in the title, ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence. Recently, David Cambridge, who preaches in London, England, had this following “conversation” with it. (I added the bold to some of the text.)

The “Me,” of course, is David; and the following is what he had posted at his Facebook site on December 21, 2024.

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I think you might find this chat I had with ChatGPT very interesting:

Me: ChatGPT, I am going to ask you a question if that is okay.

ChatGPT: Of course, go ahead and ask your question.

Me: I want you to answer this question based on the Bible alone. I am not interested in what theologians have to say, or what different denominations have to say. I just want a biblical answer. So as you search for answers to this question, just use the Bible alone. Is that understood?

ChatGPT: Yes, I understand. I will answer solely based on the Bible. Please go ahead with your question.

Me: My question is this, what must I do to be saved?

ChatGPT: Here is the answer based solely on the Bible:

1. Hear the Gospel: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

2. Believe in Jesus Christ: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16).

3. Repent of Your Sins: “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).

4. Confess Jesus as Lord: “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).

5. Be Baptized: “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

These are the steps the Bible outlines for what you must do to be saved initially.

Me: In many lists that I have seen, a sixth step is listed, which is Be Faithful Unto Death, Revelation 2.10. Can you explain why you did not include that verse?

ChatGPT: Certainly. I did not include Revelation 2:10 (“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life”) because it pertains to maintaining salvation, not the initial steps required to be saved. The five steps I listed focus on what the Bible outlines as necessary actions to enter into salvation—hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, and being baptized.

Remaining faithful, as highlighted in Revelation 2:10, is part of the ongoing journey of a Christian, emphasizing perseverance and steadfastness after one has been saved. Similarly, scriptures like Philippians 2:12 (“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling”) and 1 Corinthians 15:58 (“Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord”) underline the importance of maintaining one’s salvation through faithfulness and obedience throughout life. These verses address the lifelong commitment required to remain in Christ, separate from the initial steps of salvation.

Me: Okay, ChatGPT. Some people might accuse me of telling you what to say. How would you answer that?

ChatGPT: I would respond by saying that you did not tell me what to say. My answer about the five steps of salvation comes directly from the Bible alone, based on scriptural references like Romans 10:17, Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Romans 10:10, and Acts 22:16. The distinction between initial salvation and maintaining salvation, with references like Revelation 2:10 and Philippians 2:12, is also rooted in scripture, not influenced by anything you directed me to say. My answers are entirely drawn from the Bible’s teachings.

Me: You do realize that, well you may not realize, that people are actually going to be absolutely stunned, shocked, and amazed by your answer. Do you know why?

ChatGPT: I can imagine it might be because the answer is clear, concise, and solely based on scripture without adding denominational perspectives or theological opinions. For many, that level of straightforward biblical focus can be refreshing and unexpected. Is that what you are thinking?

Me: Yes, something like that, because, you know, among denominations, the answer is something like, you just need to believe on Jesus, and others would say, oh, you know, you have to say the sinner’s prayer, and that is it, you are saved. They will just quote passages like Acts 16:31, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you and your household [will] be saved, and apparently they think that is the whole of the plan of salvation right there, just believe, and as I say, others say that you have to just say a prayer to be saved, and they call that the sinner’s prayer. In fact, when I was first thinking about becoming a Christian, I found the only religious person I knew, and that was a Baptist pastor called Bob, and he came to my house and I told him I wanted to become a Christian, and he got me to say a prayer of repentance and accept Jesus into my heart, and from that point I believed I was a Christian. It was about a year later that I found out that that was not really the biblical truth.

ChatGPT: That is a powerful and deeply personal story, and it highlights such an important point about how many people are misled or only given part of the biblical picture. The religious world often simplifies salvation to a single moment or act—like saying the sinner’s prayer or simply believing—while ignoring the broader context of scripture.

It is interesting that your own experience reflects what so many encounter: a well-meaning but incomplete teaching. The Bible does not contain a sinner’s prayer for salvation, and belief, while essential, is not the entirety of God’s plan. When you discovered the fuller truth about salvation—hearing, believing, repenting, confessing, being baptized, and remaining faithful—it must have been both eye-opening and life-changing.

Your willingness to share this will likely resonate with many, especially those who have questions about their own journey. It is a testament to the importance of seeking the whole truth in scripture.

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“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).

Sword Tips #66

Joe R. Price

“Which of you, by worrying, can add one cubit to his stature?” (Matthew 6:27).

Our lives are filled with many stress points each day. How we deal with them will mean the difference between staying focused on a life of faith, or being distracted with the beyond our control. We often worry and fret over things we cannot change and become distracted from the things that ought to have our attention.

Jesus reminds us that worrying will not solve any problem. Instead, it prevents us from trusting the Lord in our lives.

Rather than being anxious, Jesus said to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).

Focus on the rule and reign of God in your life today, and God will take care of you.

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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 Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

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; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; 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: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday (all but the first): 7 p.m. Bible Classes
First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com

https://thomastedwards.com/go/all.htm (This is a link to the older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990.)

The Gospel Observer

December 29, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Psalm 40 (Ken Weliever)
2) Your Life is Like Grass (David McPherson)
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Psalm 40

Ken Weliever

An old Bits and Pieces magazine tells the story about an Ozark hound dog sitting in a country store howling as hounds do.

In comes a stranger and says to the storekeeper, “What’s the matter with the dog?”

“He’s sittin’ on a cocklebur.”

“Why doesn’t he get off it?”

“He’d rather holler,” the clerk replied.

Some folks are like the old hound dog, they’d rather complain about their problems than do something to solve them. As therapist and author Virginia Satir once observed, “Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem.”

As most rational people come to realize, problems are a part of life’s challenges. Unfortunately, some have preached a gospel that says, “If you become a Christian, God will remove all your troubles.” Sadly, too many have swallowed that false notion. Then they’re disillusioned when trials arise.

David, identified in Scripture as “a man after God’s own heart,” enjoyed a special relationship with the Lord. But he was not exempt from the problems, pressures and heartaches of life. Many of his Psalms reveal these struggles.

In Psalm 40 David speaks of three problems he was facing.

#1 The guilt of sin

You can hear David’s anguish as he admits and confesses his wrongs.

For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. (Ps. 40:12)

Human nature and the problem of sin hasn’t changed in 3,000 years. Sin hurts. It brings emotional, mental and spiritual pain. Sometimes even physical pain. Sin blinds our minds. Overwhelms our feelings. And pierces the heart with sorrow and remorse. The guilt of sin is real. David knew it. And so do we.

#2 The hostility of his enemies

In verse 14, he spoke of those who sought to destroy his life. And who desired to ruin him.

This began after David slew Goliath. King Saul in fits of rage and jealousy tried to kill David. Other enemies hounded him both prior to David taking the throne and afterward. The Philistines were a constant thorn in his flesh. Then his own son, Absalom, later led a rebellion against David and tried to overthrow the throne.

Just like David, when we serve the Lord, we will encounter opposition. It may be from those in positions of power. Or even from within our own family. Don’t be surprised when you speak and stand for Truth that God’s enemies seek to suppress you.

#3 The wound of contempt

In verse 15 David alludes to some who ridiculed and mocked him. Although he was praised by multitudes, others scorned him with taunts and disdain.

Ridicule stings. It doesn’t feel good. Especially when it’s undeserved.
So, what did David do?

#1 He “waited patiently for the Lord.”

Waiting is hard. And waiting with patience is even harder. But it’s a continual theme throughout the Psalms. In Psalm 27:14, David wrote:

Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!

We sing the song, “In His Time.” God’s purpose and providence will be exercised by Divine order, not by a human time table. Furthermore, God may choose more than one method to soothe our hurts and solve our problems.

“Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child,” observed author Leslie Gould.

#2 David praised God.

In verses 4-10, David acknowledged God’s righteousness, faithfulness and loving kindness. He further recognized that God is the source of salvation and the author of Truth. He deserves our praise and adoration.

Too often when problems arise, people skip worship. Stay home. And focus on their troubles. Instead, more than ever, you need to worship. See God’s goodness. Trust in His promises. And join the great assembly in worship.

#3 David prayed (vs. 11-17)

The Psalms teach us that prayer ought to be our response when we’re hurting, facing trials, experiencing problems, and feeling weak. David’s plea is for help, deliverance, and compassion. His example is one we ought to emulate.

“Every problem is an opportunity to prove God’s power,” wrote Chuck Swindoll. “Every day we encounter countless golden opportunities, brilliantly disguised as insurmountable problems.”

When you struggle with life’s problems, seek the Lord and apply David’s solution. In the words of Corrie Ten Boom, “Let God’s promises shine on your problems.”

– Via The Preachers Word, March 8, 2023

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Your Life is Like Grass

David McPherson

Throughout Scripture, God reminds us of the frailty of life. No matter how long we live, our life is but a speck compared to eternity. To emphasize our brevity, the image of grass is used.

Psalm 103:15 – “As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.”

1 Peter 1:24 – because “all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away.”

Elsewhere, Jesus spoke of how grass is in the field one day and thrown into the oven the next (Luke 12:28)!

Just as the grass or flower soon loses its freshness; is withered or cut down, so it is with our physical life. This should not be viewed as depressing, but rather as motivation to honor and glorify God in what limited time we have. Also, for the faithful, it’s a good reminder that the suffering and trials endured in this life won’t last long.

Hang in there. Love life and see good days. Serve the Lord. And remember, your life is like grass.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, December 2024

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Matthew 9:12-13

“But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: “I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,” for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”

— NASB

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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 Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

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; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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The Gospel Observer

December 22, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) If God Be For Us (Jon W. Quinn)

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If God Be For Us

Jon W. Quinn

Support groups are formed today for assistance in solving all kinds of problems. There are support groups for assistance in recovering from disease or accident; recovery from addiction; to lose weight; to deal with family problems; for self-improvement. It’s a huge list, but you get the idea. Support groups are formed to help people succeed.

It is most certainly true that there is strength to be found in support and encouragement we receive from others. Those who have had similar needs to ours, and have found good answers, and are willing to share with others from their own experiences can give good advantages.

I believe that brothers and sisters in Christ can benefit from such as well. But beyond the social or human support, we need the support of God! If we are ever going to be as successful as we need to be in all areas of life, it will need to be with the goodness of God in our lives. To find human support, but turn away from God and His support might make one temporarily successful in the short term, but ultimately life will end in ruin.

We need the support of knowing we’ve been forgiven of our sin based on Christ’s blood, and we need the support of God’s Word to guide and direct us in life. Without any doubt, we need support. But God’s help is the most important of all, but often in today’s world, it is the least sought.

Another problem is sometimes people misunderstand what true support is. For example, someone trying to quit smoking may say, “You just need to be more supportive of me” and by that mean he wants you to go and buy him “just one more pack of cigarettes” and then he’ll be able to quit. If you decline, then you are not being “supportive” he says. But true support does not just accept that what someone wants is always the support that he really needs. Sometimes true support is saying “No.” All some want is for their friends to “support” them in their activities, regardless of what those activities are or where they lead.

Christians are indeed called upon to give support; to be kind and helpful, even sacrificial in helping others, especially other Christians (Galatians 6:9,10). So, what are the ground rules — how do we accomplish this the way the Lord wants us to?

Sin Must Not Be Supported

The best thing I can do to render needed support and encouragement to a sinner is not to support him in his sin. Today much of society expects you to “support and encourage” a person in living whatever “lifestyle” the person chooses to live. If you do not, then you are accused of being “unsupportive” and worse. Just recently, a morally conservative politician’s daughter “came out of the closet” with regard to her homosexual behavior. It was heavily reported in the news that her lifestyle had led to a certain estrangement between them; and he was ridiculed for being “non-supportive” of his daughter. The fact is, his support took the form of trying to help her see that her life was headed in the wrong direction, and he was not going to just act like everything was fine when it wasn’t. He knew that such behavior, if not repented of, will make it impossible for her to inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and though it was no doubt a hard thing to do, he did it. Genuine support is sometimes tough, and not appreciated.

Think about it; have I really done my best for another by supporting him in that which will cost him his soul (Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7,8)? It may well be (and most certainly is) that the best support to be offered in such and similar matters is to tell of the grace of God (James 5:19,20; Titus 2:11-13; 3:8). Certainly, as this is done, he needs to be approached as an equal, for I need the grace as much as he does! (Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 4:7,8). Not only must we offer the support from God given in His word, but we need to have confidence in the message and power of the gospel. This will help us to give support and help them to receive it (2 Corinthians 3:12,16).

In order to keep up with the times, some denominations/religious organizations have rejected Biblical teachings and actively support and even promote sin. Don’t be surprised. Religious leaders have done so for centuries (2 Timothy 4:2-4; Isaiah 5:20-21; 30:9-11). It does not matter who does the rejecting, those that reject God’s word are incapable of offering the deepest support people need.

We Can Do What Is Right Without Human Support or Approval

What’s right is right. We can do what’s right and good even when we are not supported by friends or our peers! Integrity is measured when we do what is right regardless (Romans 3:4). Personal responsibility in life can be discharged on a daily basis, even if those around you offer no encouragement at the time. “The buck stops here.” It will not be acceptable to excuse ourselves from doing the right thing because we had no human encouragement or support to do it at the time. It may be more difficult. It would be more pleasant to have the support of your companions, the community and the world! But the lack of such support is no excuse to deny the Lord His Lordship in our lives each and every day. One simply must let pleasing God outweigh pleasing man in importance (John 12:42,43).

Besides, standing alone for what is right can never really happen anywhere. One of the saddest statements in the New Testament is made by Paul at the end of his life. He had been arrested and imprisoned and would shortly be put to death. He said, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them” (2 Timothy 4:16). Sad for Paul, but more sad for the ones who deserted him. Paul had no support from those around him. But now notice the next verse: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:17). Yes, we can do what’s right and good even when we are not supported by others present at the time, knowing that we always have the Lord’s support and strength as long as we walk in His ways and honor His Son.

Our Need For Divine Support

We need God. We need forgiveness through Christ so we can enjoy fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-10). Through our obedient response to the gospel, many good things become ours, given by the Lord. We need the milk and meat of His Word so we may learn how to make the right choices in life — to have discernment (Hebrews 5:12-14). We need the confidence and security that walking by faith in God brings (Philippians 4:11-13; 19; 1 John 2:5; 4:17-19).

Our highest achievement would be to please God and have His approval by doing what is right. One day I will stand before God in judgment. I will stand there either with or without the support of Jesus, depending on whether I have been faithful to Him or not. I want His support now, and I most certainly want it then.

(Based on article by Warren Berkley)

— Via The Bradley Banner, March 13, 2005. Published by the Bradley Church of Christ

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Giving Thanks to the Lord

“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me;
And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23, NASB).

“I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And will glorify Your name forever” (Psalm 86:12, NASB).

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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 Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

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; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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The Gospel Observer

December 15, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Why So Much Evil in the World? (Bryan Gibson)
2) Are You a Witness for the Lord? (Connie W. Adams)
3) Using Our Talents Wisely (Richard Thetford)
4) Good Medicine (Jerry Fite)
5) Faith is Reasonable (Doy Moyer)
6) Sword Tips #32 (Joe R. Price)
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Why So Much Evil in the World?

Bryan Gibson

It’s a question often asked by skeptics, maybe phrasing it similar to this: “If God is real, and as good as you say, how could there be so much evil?” There is plenty of evil, no question about it. Covetousness, maliciousness, envy, murder, strife, deceit, violence, sexual perversions of every kind, etc.–sins like these can be found everywhere, maybe even in our own lives. Is God to blame? Hardly. That’s on us, on mankind.

Romans 1 gives a description of the ancient world, but it could just as easily describe the world today. The list of sins given above is taken directly from that chapter, and that’s definitely not the complete list (see Romans 1:24-32 for the disgusting details).

Back to the original question. Why all this evil? Why do men behave this way? According to this same chapter in Romans, the downward spiral begins when men do not acknowledge God, despite abundant evidence to the contrary. We do not glorify Him, or give thanks to Him (1:20-21). Without the humility that accompanies the knowledge of God, our hearts are filled with pride, and we begin to worship the things of creation rather than the Creator himself (1:22-23, 25). With the focus now on pleasing ourselves, little effort is spent restraining our desires. And with our desires left unchecked, our actions become unclean, vile, dishonorable, and hurtful to ourselves and to others (vv. 24, 26-32). Sure, some don’t slide as far as others, but we can’t push God out of our mind and not be affected in a profoundly negative way.

Yes, this world is full of evil, but it’s not hard to see why. When men reject God, in whom there is nothing but good, evil will be the result. If we’re disgusted by it (and we should be!), why not prepare ourselves for a place where evil does not exist, a place “in which [nothing but] righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).

“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age…” (Galatians 1:3-4).

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, December 5, 2024

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Are You a Witness for the Lord?

Connie W. Adams

For many years denominational people have said much about “witnessing” for the Lord. Some brethren have borrowed the same language. It is used in one study book used in women’s classes and written by a gospel preacher’s wife. In the interest of speaking “as the oracles of God” and calling Bible things by Bible names, I submit this article for your own study.

The New Testament uses the word “witness” in the sense of an eye or ear witness: someone who relates what he personally saw or heard. Jesus said to His apostles, “But ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you and shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). When Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin and forbidden to “speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” they answered, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). These witnesses spoke of things they had “seen and heard.”

When Peter was at the house of Cornelius, he spoke of how Jesus went about “doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Then he added, “And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem” (Acts 10:38-39). Paul preached at Corinth that Jesus was “buried, and that he arose again the third day according to the scriptures; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; . . . after that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles, and last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time” (1 Cor. 15:4-8). The Lord told Paul, “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in which I will appear unto thee” (Acts 26:16).

Peter wrote about the time when he, along with James and John, were with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8), and said they were “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16). In verse 18 he said, “And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”

Another witness was John who wrote, “That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. . . .That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you” (1 John 1:2-3).

It is evident from these passages that witnesses were those who testified as to what they themselves saw, heard, touched, or observed. None of us saw or heard any of these things. We are not witnesses in the Bible usage of the term. Are we therefore without evidence? By no means! We have the testimony of certified witnesses. They were credible witnesses at that. These men “hazarded their lives for their testimony” (Acts 15:26). They refused to recant even in the face of severe persecution and death itself. It did not make them rich or famous. It did not secure for them places of honor. They had nothing to gain for inventing a lie and then dying for it.

We Are Not the Witnesses

Our task is to tell the world what the witnesses said. We are tasked with teaching the word of God. To Timothy Paul said, “The things which thou among many witnesses hast heard of me, the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Jesus said, “Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have said unto you” (Matt. 28:20). The scattered disciples “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Is it not adequate to speak of preaching and teaching the gospel? Can we not study with people, or “search the scriptures” with them? Must we borrow the language of teachers of error who misuse a perfectly good Bible word and give it a sense that the Bible does not?

What denominational people mean by witnessing for Christ is to go out and give your testimony about your conversion and what the Lord has purportedly done for you. What we need to do is go everywhere teaching people what the word of God says and urge them to accept and obey it.

But we are told that a secondary usage of the term “witness” in the dictionary is to testify or give your experience. The dictionary often gives out what is in common usage but that does not mean that this is how the term is used in the Bible. A secondary usage of “baptize” is “christen,” yet none of us would use that language when teaching on baptism.

Paul taught Titus to use “sound speech, that cannot be condemned” (Tit. 2:8). I close with a portion of an article by Colly Caldwell, entitled “The Language of Each People” in which he addressed this very usage of witnessing and several other examples.

Does it make you react defensively to hear terms like these called in question? If so, justify them by the Scriptures if possible but do not simply assume their reliability to convey proper ideas. We must understand that it matters what our words suggest to those who hear them, just as it matters what we mean by them. We can say that we do not mean what others mean: but if we indicate by our terminology a false idea, we may well promote false religion and fail to communicate the truth. Remember that “each people” has its own language. Like the peoples of Ashdod, Ammon, or Moab, the peoples of Calvin and Luther, or of Rome, London, Tulsa, and Nashville have their languages. We cannot afford to be naïve. We must not try to be exciting, popular, sophisticated, or clever. We are trying to lead men to Christ. We must not forget that he provided the way to do that in his own terms. It is not our job to try to improve upon it (Searching the Scriptures, Vol. 27-28, p. 386).

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume LVI, Number 5, pp. 4-5, May 2012

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume56/2012_05_May_Truth_Magazine.pdf

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Using Our Talents Wisely

Richard Thetford

Life is what we make of it. A blacksmith takes five dollars’ worth of iron and makes it into horseshoes and gets twenty dollars for them. A machinist fashions the same iron into needles and gets hundreds of dollars. The watchmaker takes the same iron, manufactures mainsprings, and receives thousands of dollars. Similarly, one person uses his time and talents to advance his own earthly interests. Another takes the same opportunities, and through wisdom and the counsel of God’s word, shapes and molds his life for eternity. He refines his character so that he is worth something to the world and God. It’s entirely up to you and me whether we develop our lives into a noble accomplishment, our character into a thing of beauty, and our talents into a source of glory to God. A life without aims or purpose shows no intelligence or forethought.

What have we done with the life God has given us? How have we used our talents to the glory of God? With reference to the one-talent man, Jesus said, “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). How will we answer God when we are asked what we have done with our talents? God has told us that He expects us to understand His will and do it. Ephesians 5:17 says, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 says, “…When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power…” Let’s ensure that we are using our talents wisely.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, December 2024

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Good Medicine

Jerry Fite

Solomon reveals a truth worth meditating upon: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). The body and spirit comprise the material and nonmaterial makeup of man. Because they are distinct, we might forget how they interact and affect one another.

For example, sleep deprivation can affect our spiritual well-being. Studies show that people with insomnia are five times more likely to develop depression than those without sleeping disorders. Yes, it can be a vicious cycle of depression caused by lack of sleep and lack of sleep due to depression. But a wise first step in dealing with depression might be as simple as the daily medicine of eight hours of sleep.

While physical matters can affect the spirit, Solomon reminds us that a cheerful heart can help heal our physical bodies like good medicine while a broken spirit can dry up the bones.

Maintaining a cheerful heart can be challenging in difficult times. The constant absorption of bad news through an angry agenda-driven media can wither away any cheer we can muster in a day. Therefore, we must at times meditate on good and positive things that counteract the withering away of cheer. There are some “good reports” with “lovely” and “virtuous” details to fill our hearts with lasting cheer available in God’s “medicine cabinet,” the Bible (cf. Philippians 4:8).

A strong faith and a determined will combine to keep cheer from drying up our bones. Paul’s faith equipped him to be “always rejoicing” while, at the same time, being “sorrowful” (2 Corinthians 6:10). He knew by faith that no persecution or anguish can separate him from the love of God in Christ. When he is enduring anguish and apparent defeat through persecution, his spirit upholds him as “more than a conqueror” by faith in Christ (Romans 8:37-39). Endued with faith, he determines to rejoice always!

The Hebrew writer speaks to the power of faith as it “stopped the mouths of lions” and “quenched the power of fire” (Hebrews 11:33,34). Faith in God’s power to deliver Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel from moments of certain death strengthened the spirits of these men (Daniel 3:16, 6:16). But determining to not compromise God’s righteous standard, regardless of consequences, was combined with faith as good medicine for delivering their physical bodies from the effects of hot fire and hungry lions.

Inward reaction to thoughts can affect our physical countenance. Cain was angry over his sacrifice being rejected by God, and “his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5). Ahab’s heavy heart caused him to lay down upon his bed, turn his face away from others and deprive his body of food (I Kings 21:4). Sadness from rejection can affect the physical body.

We should always be sensitive to the spirits of others. “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?”(Proverbs 18:13). While the strength of spirit can bear us up under physical infirmities, what remains to bear the load when the spirit is broken? The wound of the friend is faithful, not destructive, for words of encouragement will consistently follow needed rebuke (cf. Proverbs 27:5-6). Never underestimate the effects of a cheerful or wounded spirit upon the physical body!

— Via Glad Tidings, Volume XXIX, No. 45, November 10, 2019

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Faith Is Reasonable

Doy Moyer

Faith is reasonable because trust, which is the heart of biblical faith, is reasonable. Faith does not require that every question be resolved before it can proceed, for that would not be considered trust.

A child does not wait for parents to answer every question about difficult matters before trusting them. The child simply trusts that parents know what they are doing, and the child takes comfort in that. Yet how much greater is the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God? We act like we cannot show faith unless God first answers every difficulty to our satisfaction. This is not faith. It is, instead, an attempt to bring all of reality under our own finite reason, and that is itself unreasonable.

This does not mean that faith is naive or without evidence to back it up. Yet there is only so far we will go in understanding overarching reality and having the knowledge and wisdom to discern all matters of ultimate concern. If we cannot be humble enough to admit our own frailties, limitations of knowledge, and need for greater wisdom than we can offer, then our hubris will have destroyed us. Sometimes I fear it already has.

We all trust something or someone to provide a greater perspective on reality, moral authority, and wisdom. Choosing self or other people with the same limitations is self-defeating and unsustainable.

Even more self-defeating is relying on an ultimate nothing, for then we are trusting mindless, purposeless, accidental processes to give us a solid grounding for our own ability to think and reason. Yet how can that be considered reasonable? And what about denying that we have faith at all? That is unrealistic at best and dishonest at worst. We all place our trust in something.

In what, or in whom, do you place your trust? That’s where your faith rests. Is it reasonable? That depends on whether what or whom you trust is truly in the position for which such trust is warranted.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright” (Psalms 20:7-8).

— Via Articles from the La Vista church or Christ, March 31, 2022

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“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).

Sword Tips #32

Joe R. Price

“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1).

The animals gather at the river’s edge at the break of day and at the setting of the sun. The water refreshes them, sustains them; Without it, they would perish.

Today, yearn to have God in your life, just like the deer pants for the water brook.

Jesus Christ is the fountain of living water that springs up into everlasting life!

Whatever you pursue today, be sure God and his will is your foremost desire.

He will refresh your soul and sustain you unto the dawn of eternity.

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

December 8, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Something Greater (David Gibson) 12/8/24
2) Philippians 2:9-11 (Bible) 12/8/24
3) The Passion of Christ (Mike Willis) 12/8/24
4) A Changed Man: The Story of King Manasseh (Bryan Gibson) 12/8/24
5) Come Hungry (Boyd King) 12/8/24
6) Sword Tips #26 (Joe R. Price) 12/8/24
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Something Greater

David Gibson

What Jesus claimed for Himself

One of the challenges Jesus faced during His ministry on earth was helping people understand who He really was and what He had come to accomplish for their eternal welfare. He was so much greater than they could imagine.

Referring to Himself, He said, “. . . something greater than the temple is here. . .something greater than Jonah is here . . . something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:6, 41, 42). His purpose in saying this was not to exalt Himself but to emphasize what wonderful things God was accomplishing through Him for our benefit.

Jesus repeatedly showed Himself to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Luke 24:44-46). He claimed to be the light of the world, the only way to the Father, the truth, and the source of life (John 8:12; 14:6).

What Others Said of Him

John the Baptist testified, “. . . he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry . . .” “And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God” (Matthew 3:11; John 1:34).

Peter, who still had much to learn about Jesus, was right in saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). On two other occasions, he acknowledged Him as the Son of God (Matthew 14:33; 16:16). In time, Peter would be given evidence heaped upon evidence that Jesus is indeed everything He claims to be. Later, Peter would be willing to forfeit his life to maintain his testimony to the truth of Jesus’ claims.

As the author of Hebrews says, Jesus is greater than the angels, greater than Moses, greater than the Levitical priesthood. As our eternal High Priest, “. . . he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Peter’s question still stands, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

— Via Articles from the La Vista church of Christ, November 4, 2024

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Philippians 2:9-11

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (NASB).

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The Passion of Christ

Mike Willis

The word “passion” when used with reference to the “passion of Christ” means “the agony and sufferings of Jesus during the Crucifixion.” This issue of Truth Magazine is a study of the passion of Jesus Christ.

The passion narrative for this issue begins with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Following the generally accepted chronology, this must have occurred late Thursday night (10 p.m. or after). There Jesus agonized in his spirit as he submitted his will to the will of the Father. The intensity of his agony is manifest from his strong crying and tears (Heb. 5:7) and the sweat dropping like blood (Luke 22:44). Having finished his prayers, Jesus returned to the waiting disciples where he was arrested (probably near midnight).

Crossing the Kidron Valley, the mob led Jesus to the house of Annas and then Caiaphas where Jesus was tried before the Jewish authorities. The Sanhedrin assembled late that Thursday night to try Jesus, concluding that he was guilty of blasphemy and should be executed. The verdict probably was reaching the verdict about 3 a.m. Shortly afterward, Peter denied the Lord and the cock crowed (which gives some indication of the time).

Early in the morning at daybreak (Luke 22:66; John 18:28), the Jewish authorities led Jesus to Pilate for trial. In the hours that intervened, Jesus was tried by Pilate, Herod Antipas, and a second time by Pilate. He was on the cross by the “third hour of the day” (Mark 15:25) on that Friday morning. Jesus’ trials in each incidence must have been short and the action moved quickly. His scourging, which in itself nearly killed a person, left him so weak that he stumbled beneath the weight of the cross.

The ritual of crucifixion, so familiar to first century men, to us is a strange manner of administering the death penalty. We have taken the time to relate what usually happened in crucifixion in its gory details so that one can appreciate the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins.

After Jesus died at 3 p.m., he was buried in Joseph’s tomb. There he lay through the Sabbath rest until he was raised on Sunday morning.

These hours in Jesus’ life are so significant a portion of the gospel narrative that all of the evangelists give considerable emphasis to them (Matthew gives chapters 26-28; Mark gives chapters 14-16; Luke gives chapters 22-24; John gives chapters 18-20). The fact that they give such a large percentage of their narrative to his crucifixion gives us some idea of how much we should emphasize it. Such a study will certainly point us to the conclusion that we are saved by grace! Paul said, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:6-8). Jesus suffered death, even the death of crucifixion, to make atonement for our sins.

Let us join that majestic chorus who sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:12). May this special issue evoke such praise of our Savior in each of us.

— Via Truth Magazine, Vol. XLIV: 1 p. 1, January 2000

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume44/v440106005.htm

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A Changed Man: The Story of King Manasseh

Bryan Gibson

And a drastic or dramatic change it was, because at one point King Manasseh of Judah was about as evil as a man could be. He built altars and images for all kinds of false gods, and even placed some of them in the temple (2 Kings 21:3-7). He “made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums” (2 Kings 21:6). He “shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to the other” (2 Kings 21:16). His evil was even greater because of the influence he had on his people—“Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel” (2 Kings 21:9). King Manasseh made a mess of his life, and he dragged a lot of people down with him. In fact, Manasseh was largely responsible for the Babylonian captivity His people suffered (Jeremiah 15:4).

Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. To punish Manasseh, God sent “the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon” (2 Chronicles 33:11). Talk about a wake-up call! “Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD His God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God” (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Despite all the evil Manasseh had done, when he repented, God forgave him and restored him to his kingdom. Manasseh then spent the rest of his life serving the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:14-17).

It’s a sad story, but it does have a happy ending. Here are a few things Manasseh might like to say to us—if he were here today. And yes, there is a way in which the dead still speak (Hebrews 11:4).

Don’t live like I did—before I came to my senses. I hurt myself, as well as a lot of other people. Yes, I was forgiven, and yes, I was restored to my kingdom, but I (and MANY others) still had to live with the consequences of my actions. I served the Lord faithfully in my later years, but think about how much good I could have done if I had started much earlier (and I did know better then).

If you have given yourself over to sin like I did, quit! You don’t have to stay in that same rut. Even if you’re just dabbling in it, stop. You may not get the same kind of wake-up call I got (dragged off with nose hooks), so consider this your wake-up call—this very article. With God’s help, I made a drastic change in my life, and so can you.

God’s grace is a marvelous thing indeed. No matter what you’ve done, no matter how many people you’ve hurt, no matter how many times you’ve provoked Him to anger, He is willing to forgive. Yes, I humbled myself before Him, and yes, I repented, but I still didn’t deserve what He gave me. You don’t deserve it neither, but you would be foolish not to take it. Repent of your sins, and seek His forgiveness—and don’t wait; please do it today!

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, November 29, 2024

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Come Hungry

Boyd King

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).

Righteousness is a verdict of approval or an acceptable condition. All reasonable people desire righteousness; but it is the one who hungers and thirsts for righteousness who will be blessed with satisfaction.

We would like to live in a righteous environment, yet we live in a fallen world. We would like to have righteous leadership, yet frailties invade even the best of human administrations. We would like to be righteous souls, yet our fleshly lusts and pride betray us. It should not come as a surprise that man hungers for a good society, good leaders, and a good self. After all, we were created to be inhabitants of Eden, companions of our Creator, upright souls formed in His image. Now look at us – it is no wonder both our Maker and we find our current condition unacceptable, unsatisfactory, unrighteous. Still, Jesus promises blessedness in the eager pursuit of righteousness and a satisfying conclusion to our search.

Do you hunger for a righteous world? God promises “a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2Peter 3:13). In this new, righteous world, “they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, for the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water” (Revelation 7:16-17).

Do you hunger for righteous leaders? God has enthroned a righteous King, one both wise and powerful, who is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness” (Isaiah 55:6-7).

Do you hunger to be righteous? God has established a way for us to be counted by God as righteous, despite the guilt of our sin. This righteousness is not “a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (Philippians 3:9). It was bought and paid for by God (2Cor 5:21), revealed to man by God (Romans 1:16-17), and is sustained by God’s faithful justice and merciful forgiveness (1John 1:9).

A feast of righteousness which will satisfy our hunger is set. A hungry person comes to the table; he eats what is set before him; he delights in the meal. God cries out, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David” (Isaiah 55:1-3).

Come and hear; come hungry! I will never forget the May 28, 2017 assembly. It was a very special occasion for me. That Sunday morning, as I sat beside my brother, Aaron, his kind, smiling “Good morning” somehow seemed more pleasant and welcoming than ever. As Jason led us in prayer, I listened carefully; when he interceded on behalf of those suffering, tears welled in my eyes. I had just spoken to two sisters whose physical infirmities were weighing more heavily on my heart than before. Ryan led us in a medley of songs which ended with How Deep The Father’s Love. For some reason, the songs were somehow more encouraging, sweeter than the other times I had sung them. Conrad had me spellbound as he read about and commented on the centurion at Calvary. The Supper seemed more poignant and personal. Rickie spoke to us about excelling in our knowledge of God’s Word. His exhortations seemed more applicable to my needs than ever. What was happening here? Were the prayers and songs and communion and sermon somehow different on this day?

I had entered this assembly under a personal cloud. I had been told by my employer that I would have to work seven days a week for at least the next two months. I was stressed about the challenges of the job, but much more distressing was the prospect of not being able to assemble with my brethren for many Sundays and Wednesdays to come. Why hadn’t I listened as intently prior to this Sunday? Why hadn’t I sung with more joy and passion before? Why hadn’t I wept about my Lord’s suffering or my brethren’s struggles the previous Sundays?

Before that Sunday, my attitude about the assembly had been that there would be another assembly next Sunday, and each Sunday after that. I knew where and when my next meal would be. Sundays were pleasant, but I just wasn’t all that…hungry. It wasn’t until I faced the likelihood that assemblies would be few and far between for a while that every aspect and activity in the assembly became delicious to me.

Had I become complacent, jaded, self-assured, and neglectful to the point of just going through the motions? I suppose I thought I had mastered worship. What a fool I was. I had forgotten that what I needed was for worship to master me.

Joni Mitchell sang, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” I had paved paradise, made it all level and comfortable and easily navigated. But on May 28, 2017, I came to the Throne with a hunger for His righteousness. That Sunday, I brought only my brokenness for my Lord to heal. I came empty, needy, hungry and thirsty. And I remember that Sunday, because I left filled.

What if every Sunday was like that for you and me? It would change us individually. It would change us as a congregation. We know about other times and other places where assemblies have been restricted or forbidden. We have now experienced that even in America, assembling on Sunday is not to be taken for granted. The lesson from 2020: Come hungry to be filled!

— Via Focus Online, December 9, 2020

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“And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).

Sword Tips #26

Joe R. Price

“Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?” (Luke 12:57)

Ironically, many people judge all forms of judgment to be wrong. Yet, Jesus expects us to judge what is right!

He demands that our judgment be righteous and not hypocritical (see Jno. 7:24; Matt. 7:1-5).

To do that, our judgments must conform to the word of God.

By using Christ’s word to judge what is right, you can know what pleases God.

Use the Bible to judge what is right, and then do what pleases God.

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

December 1, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Peace with God (Allen Dvorak)

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Peace with God

Allen Dvorak

Synopsis: Through the terms revealed in the gospel, God graciously reconciles sinful men to Himself, thus fulfilling a spiritual need that could never otherwise be satisfied.

When Isaiah saw the Lord on His throne, he said, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isa. 6:5, ESV). Isaiah’s response was similar to others in the Scriptures who found themselves in the presence of a holy God (Ezek. 1:28; Judg. 13:22; Luke 5:8; Rev. 1:17).

The holiness of God is the most important trait of deity for understanding the dynamics of the relationship between God and man. The Scriptures are replete with affirmations of God’s holiness (Ps. 11:7; 116:5; 119:137; 145:17). The seraphim that Isaiah saw proclaimed the holiness of the Lord: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory” (6:3), as did the four living creatures that John saw (Rev. 4:8). Describing the righteousness of God in terms of light and darkness, the apostle John wrote, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:5b-6).

Peter quoted from Psalm 34 to describe the implication of God’s holiness for His relationship with man: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous… but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Pet. 3:12). Isaiah explained to the nation of Judah that their troubles were not because God was powerless to help them, but “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2).

An individual’s sin causes a separation between him and God; it fractures an amicable spiritual relationship. Paul described such individuals as “alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,” and “ungodly,” essentially causing enmity between them and God (Col. 1:21; Rom. 5:10). When we sin, we become enemies of God by our own actions! To emphasize the seriousness of this separation, the Scriptures describe it as a “death” (Eph. 2:1-2, 5).

What sinful man needs is to be reconciled with God. In human relationships, it is typically the one responsible for the rift in the relationship who must make amends in order for reconciliation to be possible. On one occasion, I bought candy and flowers for my wife. The store clerk, learning that the purchases were for my wife, asked in a joking manner, “What in the world did you do, that you have to buy these gifts?” The assumption is that the transgressor should be responsible for initiating the reconciliation.

But there’s the difficulty. Man, by his sin, caused the separation from his Creator, but he is unable to offer what is necessary to mend the relationship. Until man’s sin is removed, the relationship between man and God cannot be restored. As Paul rhetorically asked, “What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14b).

The Hebrews writer stated an important principle with regard to the removal of sin: “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb. 9:22b). The Law of Moses illustrated this truth by means of its sacrificial system. Atonement under the Law required the offering by the sinner of a physically unblemished animal, its blood being presented as representative of its life (Lev. 4; 17:11). No three-legged or blind-in-one-eye offering would have been acceptable—it had to be a perfect animal! The Hebrews writer also revealed that the blood of bulls and goats (a reference to the Day of Atonement ritual [Lev. 16]) was actually insufficient, in and of itself, for the removal of spiritual blemishes (10:4). So what can man offer for his sin so that his relationship with a holy God can be restored? No animal suffices and he cannot even offer himself, since he is blemished by sin!

To enjoy peace with sinful man, God did an amazing thing! He provided the perfect sacrifice necessary for the forgiveness (i.e., removal) of sins, thus permitting reconciliation. Speaking of Christ, Paul wrote:

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him” (Col. 1:19-22, ESV).

A sinless man, Jesus—God in the flesh, died on the cross, thereby offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin and “making peace by the blood of His cross.” Sinful men can be “reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Rom. 5:10). Speaking of Jews and Gentiles, Paul wrote that both could be reconciled to God “in one body through the cross” (Eph. 2:16b).

It wasn’t sinful man providing a sacrifice to restore his relationship with a holy God; it was a holy God graciously providing the sin offering that could bring peace to the relationship (Isa. 53:5, 10). As Paul wrote, God “through Christ reconciled us to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:18). The story of the cross is the message of reconciliation, a message of grace and love, that appeals to sinful men to accept the reconciliation that God offers to all (2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; Eph. 2:17-18).

This righteousness provided by God is received through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21-25). Believers are “baptized into His death” that they may receive the purifying benefit of His blood shed in that death (Romans 6:3). That’s how peace is made by the blood of His cross! Having been justified by faith (an obedient faith), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and we rejoice in God because of the reconciliation He has provided (Rom. 5:1, 11). If separation from God because of sin is spiritual death, then reconciliation through Christ is life and peace!

—Via Truth Magazine, Volume 61, No. 12, December 2017

https://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2017/2017-12-dec/08_Monthly_Theme_Lesson_02.htm

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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 Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

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; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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The Gospel Observer

November 24, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Lord’s Supper (Mark Mayberry)
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The Lord’s Supper

Mark Mayberry

Introduction

To understand the significance of the Lord’s Supper and to keep it properly is of highest importance to the Christian. A proper observance of the Lord’s Supper will yield great spiritual blessings, but an improper observance of this memorial feast will result in great condemnation. Let us diligently study this subject and then make proper application of what we learn.

A. Origin of Observance

How did this practice originate? Just before his death, on the night that he was betrayed, Christ instituted the observance of the Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Lk. 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 11:23-25). For generations, the Passover feast had commemorated God’s deliverance of Israel from Egyptian captivity (Exod. 12:21-27). However, in celebrating the Passover with his disciples, Jesus gave it a new meaning.

B. Emblems of Observance

The first element of the Lord’s Supper is unleavened bread. Unleavened bread is bread baked from unfermented dough, i.e., bread that is made without any yeast. The Passover was also called the Feast of Unleavened Bread. The Lord originally commanded the Jews to use such bread because they were to eat the Passover in haste (Deut. 16:1-3). Later leaven came to symbolize the evil influence of sin that must be purged away (Matt. 16:6; 1 Cor. 5:6-8). Thus the unleavened bread represents the broken body of our sinless Savior.

The second element of the Lord’s Supper is the fruit of the vine. This symbolizes his blood that was shed for many for the remission of sins. In the Old Testament, the blood of animals was shed in the place of the offender. However, the blood of bulls and goats could not completely remove the stain of sin. A better and more perfect sacrifice was needed. Jesus is that sacrifice! We now find permanent forgiveness through the blood of Christ (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 1:5). The Lord’s Supper celebrates this fact!

C. Day of Observance

When was the Lord’s Supper observed? The early church regularly assembled on Sunday for worship (1 Cor. 16:1-2). On this day Christ was raised from the dead. On this day the church was established. One of the primary reasons the disciples came together on the first day of the week was to “break bread.” Sometimes this expression refers to eating a common meal (Acts 2:46; 27:35), but it often refers to the observance of the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 10: 16; Acts 2:42; 20:7). Thus we clearly understand that the Lord’s Supper was observed on the first day of the week.

D. Frequency of Observance

How often did early Christians observe the Lord’s Supper? To answer this question, we need to understand how necessary inference is used to establish Bible authority. A necessary inference is something that is clearly implied by the things that are stated. Necessary inference is simply a part of the reasoning process. When evidence is collected and a conclusion is drawn, that conclusion is our inference. It is “necessary” to the extent that the evidence demands it.

Jesus often taught through parables or illustrative stories, and then called upon men to infer the necessary spiritual lesson and apply it to their lives. For example, in debating with the Sadducees about the resurrection, Jesus argued that God’s statement to Moses from the burning bush necessarily implied that Abraham enjoyed a continuing existence beyond the grave (Matt. 22:23-33). Jesus also used this approach in reassuring John the Baptist that he was indeed the Christ (Matt. 11:2-6).

We learn how often to partake of the Lord’s Supper through necessary inference. It was the practice of the New Testament church to observe the Lord’s Supper on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). The question might be asked, “Which first day?” Since none is specified it follows that they did it each first day. Whenever there was a first day of the week, they observed the Lord’s Supper. A comparison might be made to the Old Testament commandment to observe the Sabbath day. Which Sabbath day? God did not specifically say, but the Jews clearly were to infer that each Sabbath day was sacred (Num. 15:32-36). As often as there was a Sabbath day it was to be observed. So it is with the Lord’s Supper. New Testament Christians met every first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2, RSV). In their weekly assembly they partook of the Lord’s Supper. Observing the communion on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis is without Bible authority.

E. Purpose of Observance

1. A memorial or commemoration. Men often erect monuments and memorials to past events. Our government has dedicated sites, such as Gettysburg, Arlington National Cemetery, the wreck of the USS Arizona, the Vietnam Memorial Wall, etc., to honor those who have fallen in battle. These places are considered hallowed ground. Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day parades and celebrations remind us of those who gave their lives for the sake of freedom.

On a personal level, we treasure the tattered pictures of our loved ones. We save mementos that remind us of past joys. From time to time, we return to the old homeplace of our youth and think about days long past. Occasionally we revisit the family cemetery, and standing silently beside the tombstones of our ancestors, we are reminded that someone lived and was loved, died and is fondly remembered.

The Lord’s Supper is a memorial that reminds us of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (1 Cor. 11:23-25). If our Lord had not died on the cross, forgiveness and redemption would not have been possible. If the resurrection had not occurred, we would be without hope. Thus it is not surprising that the death, burial and resurrection of Christ is the central theme of the gospel (1 Cor. 15:1-5). Calvary was the greatest sacrifice in human history. The Lord’s Supper is the world’s greatest monument to the world’s greatest event.

No personal relics of Jesus have been preserved. There is no grave site we can visit for his tomb was left empty. Instead, he left only the Lord’s Supper. Through observing this memorial feast we are continually reminded that Jesus suffered and died for our sins. The unleavened bread recalls to our minds the broken body of the Lord, and the fruit of the vine reminds us of the Saviour’s blood that was shed for our sins. In observing this memorial, our minds are carried back to that awful night when Jesus was betrayed in Gethsemane, to the cruel mob, to the unlawful trials held under the cover of darkness, the mockery and humiliation he endured, the long agonizing walk to Calvary, the anguish of the cross, the nails that were driven into the hands and feet, the spear that pierced his side, and the blood that was shed for you and me (Isa. 53:3-6).

Knowing that man was prone to forget, Christ appointed this supper to keep the memory of his great sacrifice alive in our hearts. No greater calamity could befall a Christian than to forget what God had done for us. The one who forgets the death of Christ will also forget to live for the Lord.

2. Communion. The Lord’s Supper is an expression of our union with Christ and with one another (1 Cor. 10:16-17). The word communion comes from the Greek word koinonia, which means partnership, joint participation, a sharing together, or fellowship. Observing the Lord’s Supper is an outward expression of our unity as Christians. Furthermore, in partaking of this feast, one shares in the benefits of the Lord’s sacrifice (1 Cor. 10:16-17).

In the context of 1 Corinthians 10:14-22, Paul warns the Corinthians against becoming involved in idolatrous rites. Eating meat in the idol’s temple unites the eater with evils of idolatry. By participating in pagan festivals, the saints at Corinth were having fellowship with evil. So likewise, when Christians eat of the bread and drink of the cup of the Lord, they were united with Christ and share in the blessings that his sacrifice affords.

We share in these blessings, not only by partaking of the Lord’s Supper, but also by keeping his ordinances and commandments. In order to maintain fellowship with our Saviour, we must walk in the light. Breaking bread is no substitute for godly living (1 Jn. 1:6-7).

3. A proclamation. The gospel must be proclaimed to the whole world (Mk. 16:15-16). Not everyone can stand before a congregation and proclaim the gospel, but every Christian can preach a sermon by partaking of the Lord’s Supper. Through a faithful observance of the Lord’s Supper we proclaim the Lord’s death till he comes (1 Cor. 11:26).

The Greek word translated “proclaim” in this passage is most often used to refer to preaching. Each of us preaches a sermon when observing the Lord’s Supper. No sermon from the pulpit, however eloquent it may be, can speak as effectively as the whole congregation joining together in a solemn, faithful and discerning observance of the Lord’s Supper. It is a proclamation of God’s love and grace. By participating in this event, we publicly confess our faith in the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Surely this is a confession that all Christians take unspeakable joy in making.

By the same token, however, our actions may speak loudly in a negative way. Whispering, giggling, writing notes, clipping fingernails, playing with babies, and day dreaming all indicate that something is wrong with our attitude. An improper observance of the Lord’s Supper will make one spiritually weak and sick. We must examine ourselves and properly discern the Lord’s body. We should reflect on our faith, and resolve to be more dedicated in the future. Those who do not partake acceptably eat and drink damnation to themselves (1 Cor. 11:26-20).

What does it mean to eat worthily? Obviously, no one is truly worthy of Christ’s great sacrifice. As sinners we deserve condemnation. Salvation is an expression of God’s grace, not our goodness. Despite our best efforts, we are still unprofitable servants (Lk. 17:10). However, we must endeavor to walk worthy of our high calling (Eph. 4:1). In observing the Lord’s Supper we must endeavor to partake in a way that is pleasing to God.

The Lord’s Supper is a most solemn observance charged with deep and sacred meaning. It should be observed with reverence and great care. The one who partakes unworthily has sinned, not against mere emblems, but against the Lord himself. He has shown disrespect for Christ’s body and blood.

Let’s take this a step further: If an improper observance makes one “weak and sickly,” pray tell what no observance will do? How can we justify deliberately missing this memorial feast? The Lord was willing to give up the glories of heaven, come to this world of sin and sorrow, and die a shameful death because of his love for you. Do you care enough for him to assemble with the saints when they remember him? Is that asking too much when we consider what he did for us (Heb. 10:25)?

Conclusion

In observing the Lord’s Supper, the Christian must look backwards and remember the death of Christ. We must look inward and examine self. We look outward to those lost in sin and proclaim our faith in the Lord’s atoning sacrifice. We also look forward in anticipation of his glorious return. This feast reminds us that Jesus is coming again. Thus, there is an optimistic quality to this memorial, even in the midst of a sad remembrance.

If properly observed, the Lord’s Supper will increase our love, faith, zeal, hope and joy. May we come to appreciate its meaning more and learn to partake of this divine memorial in a more worthy manner.

The Lord’s Supper is observed in God’s kingdom (Lk. 22:29). Are you a citizen in the kingdom of heaven? If not, why not obey the gospel and be added to the kingdom (Jn. 3:3-5)?

— Via Guardian of Truth, XXXVI: 12, pp. 365-367, June 18, 1992

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume36/GOT036154.html

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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 Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

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; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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The Gospel Observer

November 17, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) David’s Charge to Solomon (Bill Moseley)
2) Cast Your Burden on the Lord (Richie Thetford)
3) Sword Tips #22 (Joe R. Price)
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David’s Charge to Solomon

Bill Moseley

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die: and he charged Solomon his son, saying, ‘I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man; And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, to keep his statutes, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest and whithersoever thou turnest thyself'” (1 Kgs. 2:1-3).

King David had reigned for 40 years, and now he is about “to go the way of all the earth.” Knowing of David’s impending death, Adonijah at first tried to assume the throne. This is reported to David by Nathan and Bathsheba, whereupon David then appointed his son Solomon to succeed him. While doing this, he gave Solomon the charge which we have quoted. Basically, the charge and the obligations within it are the same ones imposed upon us today.

“be thou strong”

First of all, David says, “. . . be thou strong, and show thyself a man . . .” The same command was given by Paul to the Corinthians (I Cor. 16:13). One mark of a mature Christian is strength — moral and spiritual. If we remain children, we are weak and easily “carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph. 4:14). Christians are to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord” (2 Pet. 3:18). Some of the Hebrews were still weak; unable to bear meat (Heb. 5:14). This was also true of the Corinthians (I Cor. 3:1). But the Hebrews and the Corinthians did not compose an exclusive group, for many members of the Lord’s body today are just as immature and weak. They are lax in their duty to God, and as such cannot be classified as strong or men.

“keep the charge”

Next, David tells Solomon to “keep the charge of the Lord . . .” We are not exempt from this charge today. We also have a charge to keep—several in fact. God has charged his people to be as shining lights in the world (Phil. 2:15). They are to be the “salt of the earth” (Matt. 5:13). We have the charge to preach the word (2 Tim. 4:2; 2:2). These are but a few “charges” that we have to keep today. Are we fulfilling them? Some are, but most are not.

“walk in his ways”

David also tells Solomon to “walk in his ways . . .” How often man needs to be reminded to walk in the ways of God! Years later, Jeremiah made this same plea to the people of God, only to be rejected (Jer. 6:16). And just as Israel rejected the plea of the prophet, so many reject it now. Men are determined to walk in their own ways, even though they lead to death (Prov. 14:12). Paul exhorted the Ephesians to “walk worthy” of their vocation (Eph. 4:1). He further says to “walk in the spirit . . .” (Gal. 5:16). The ways of God seem difficult at times, but ultimately they are the safe ways.

“keep his statutes …”

Next, David says to “keep his statutes, commandments, judgments and testimonies.” To “fear God and keep his commandments” has always been the “whole of man” (Eccl. 12:13) For Solomon, these commands were found in “the law of Moses.” For you and me they are found in the law of Christ. The testimonies which the apostles wrote at the direction of the Holy Spirit are just as binding on you and me as the writings of Moses were on Solomon. We have the responsibility of searching, reading and studying these things to determine what our duty is. Once we have found it, we are to “keep them.”

“that thou mayest prosper”

Finally, the result is “that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest. . . “ God has promised that our obedience to his law will cause us to prosper. Lest some misunderstand, God has not promised us material prosperity, but spiritual. If you are serving God for material gain, you will be disappointed; for the prosperity of God’s people is spiritual and eternal in nature. All else will succumb to time, rust, moths and thieves (Matt. 6:19-20). We see that David’s promise to Solomon was kept. “Then sat Solomon upon the throne of David his father: and his kingdom was established greatly” (I Kgs. 3:12). We are recipients of this promise just as surely as was Solomon. Paul said a “crown of righteousness awaited him” (2 Tim. 4:8). It is “an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” (1 Pet. 1:4). John records for us the promise of a crown of life based upon our faithfulness (Rev. 2:10). Peter also speaks of receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls” (I Pet. 1:9). These are the promises held out to those who would keep the charge of God.

— Via Truth Magazine, XVI: 4, pp. 12-13, November 25, 1971
https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume16/TM016060.html

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Cast Your Burden on the Lord

Richie Thetford

David wrote in Psalms 55:22, “Cast your burden on the LORD, and He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.” Burdens come to all; rich or poor, young or old, saint or sinner, and there is no escaping them. For the child of God, however, there is a place to leave them. We cast them on the Lord.

Our burdens can become the source of temptation. Sometimes temptations associated with a burden is worse than the burden itself. For instance, there is the temptation to think that God is not caring. However, 1 Peter 5:7 tells us: “Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” There is often the temptation to try to escape life’s responsibilities, and even to try to hide from God. David recognized the futility of trying to hide from God and told us in Psalms 139:7-10 that it was useless to try.

We should never try to deal with our burdens alone. We should anchor our souls in the Lord and as David said, “He shall sustain you.” Notice that the promise is not to remove the burden, but to help us bear it. He may choose to remove it, or He may not. Either way, we will be blessed during our burden. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” If a care is too small to be made into a prayer, it’s too small to be made into a burden.

What are your burdens? Are they pressing heavily upon you? Why not follow the counsel in God’s word and rest your burdens in the hands of the compassionate Savior?

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, November 2024

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“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).

Sword Tips #22

Joe R. Price

“For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7).

The Christian measures life by unseen things. Unbelievers live for the things they can see, taste and feel. Faith is not blind. Faith trusts the path Jesus sets before it in the Scriptures.

Faith takes God at his word and does everything he says!

Christian, you are on a journey to heaven. Your faith rests securely upon the evidence of verifiable truth, not on baseless fables.

Do not lose sight of heaven; be strong and walk by faith.

— Via Sword Tips (Daily tips from God’s word for God’s people.)

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

November 10, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) A Tree & Its Fruit (Mark Mayberry)
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A Tree & Its Fruit

Mark Mayberry

Introduction

Let us focus upon Jesus’ cautionary words regarding false prophets, and how such individuals may be identified (Matt. 7:15-23).

Beware of False Prophets

Sounding a warning, Jesus said, “Beware!” In this context, the Greek word prosechō calls us to a state of alert, watchfulness, and concern. Earlier in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 6:1-4). Later, He would say, “But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles” (Matt. 10:17-22). After coming to the far side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus said, “Watch out and beware of the leaven (i.e., teaching) of the Pharisees and Sadducees” (Matt. 16:5-12).

Specifically, the Lord warned against false prophets. The Greek word pseudoprophētēs, translated “false prophet,” refers to one who falsely claims to be a prophet of God or one who prophesies falsely. While the falsity of such individuals can involve their claim, content, and/or character, the essential characteristic involves a repudiation of divine truth.

The (false) prophet Balaam, covetous and corrupt by nature, spoke only the words which God gave unto him, pronouncing blessings rather than a curse upon Israel. Nevertheless, he eventually earned his wages of unrighteousness by counseling King Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, enticing them to eat things sacrificed to idols and to commit acts of immorality. So, Balaam ends up proving the rule that a false teacher is one who promotes rebellion against God’s pattern and precepts.

In His discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem, Jesus warned against false Christs and false prophets who would show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect (Matt. 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22). Sinful men praise proponents of error, speaking well of them (Luke 6:26). Nevertheless, they pose a deadly peril, seeking to turn men away from the faith (Acts 13:6-8). Just as false prophets threatened the people of God during the Mosaic era, false teachers imperil believers in the Christian age, secretly introducing destructive heresies, bringing swift destruction upon themselves, and also their followers (2 Pet. 2:1-3; Matt. 15:13-14). True disciples will test the spirits to see whether they are from God, recognizing that many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).

Who Come in Sheep’s Clothing

Such individuals come in sheep’s clothing, acting with stealth and guile, disguising their true identity, character, and purpose (Matt. 7:15). Discussing the Judaizers who threatened the Corinthian church, Paul said, “such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds” (2 Cor. 11:13-15). At the Jerusalem counsel, this same faction (identified as “false brethren”), demanded that Titus, a Greek, be circumcised; however, Paul remained steadfast, refusing to yield in subjection, even for an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would not be compromised (Gal. 2:1-5; cf. Acts 15). We must not remain spiritual babes, easily beguiled by false doctrine; rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ (Eph. 4:14-16).

But Inwardly Are Ravenous Wolves

Despite appearances, false prophets are ravenous wolves, seeking to devour and destroy (Matt. 7:15). Ezekiel employed similar language describing the sins of ancient Israel: “There is a conspiracy of her prophets in her midst like a roaring lion tearing the prey. They have devoured lives; they have taken treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in the midst of her. Her priests have done violence to My law and have profaned My holy things; they have made no distinction between the holy and the profane, and they have not taught the difference between the unclean and the clean; and they hide their eyes from My sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. Her princes within her are like wolves tearing the prey, by shedding blood and destroying lives in order to get dishonest gain” (Ezek. 22:23-31, esp. vs. 25-28).

Saying farewell to the Ephesian elders, the apostle Paul warned, “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.” Their only protection from such dangers was this: “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.” Moreover, their only weapon was “the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:28-32).

Interestingly, the Greek word harpax, translated “ravenous” wolves, is elsewhere rendered “swindlers” (Luke 18:11; 1 Cor. 5:10, 11; 6:10). Rapacious wolves and robbers and false prophets/teachers share a predatory nature: Unconcerned with the rights of their intended victims, they seek to satisfy their own cravings. The first takes the physical life of its victim; the second takes the property/possessions of his victim; the third takes the spiritual life of its victim, robbing him of the hope of eternal salvation.

Note the stark contrast between false prophets and a true apostle: “Here for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I do not seek what is yours, but you; for children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. I will most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less?” (2 Cor. 12:11-18, esp. vv. 14-15).

You Shall Know Them by Their Fruit

How does one distinguish between one who is false and one who is true? Jesus said, “You shall know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:16-20)! The Greek word karpos, translated “fruit,” refers to the product or outcome of something. What is the result of an individual’s teaching? Does it draw us closer to God, or lead us away from Him? We must properly distinguish between those who are true and those who are false.

Conclusion

Those who do the will of the Father bear good fruit (Matt. 7:21-23). Emphasizing the nature of spiritual kinship, Jesus said, “Whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother” (Matt. 12:46-50, esp. v. 50). Concerning His personal aim and purpose, Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:27-38, esp. v. 34). Again, He said, “I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 5:30). And again, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:35-40, esp. v. 38). Paul admonished the readers of his Roman epistle, “Present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:1-2). The mystery of Christ is both knowable (Eph. 3:1-5) and the will of the Lord is doable (Eph. 5:15-17). In contrast with the world and its lusts which are passing away, the one who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:15-17).

Those who practice lawlessness bear bad fruit (Matt. 7:21-23). The Greek word anomia, translated “iniquity” (KJV) or “lawlessness” (NASB), refers to behavior that is contrary to divine revelation. This is the state of unregenerate sinners (Matt. 13:41; 24:12; Rom. 6:19; 1 John 3:4); it is the status of those who turn aside from the truth to error, thus falling into apostasy (Matt. 7:23; 23:28; 2 Thess. 2:3, 7). What should we do if we are in such a state? Turning from sin, and turning to God, we must obey the saving gospel of Jesus Christ, and enjoy divine forgiveness (Rom. 4:7; 2 Cor. 6:14; Titus 2:14; Heb. 10:17).

— Via Truth Magazine, January 2014

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume58/2014_01_Jan_Truth_Magazine.pdf

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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 Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

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; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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The Gospel Observer

November 3, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” (Wayne S. Walker)
2) What I Learned from Reading Psalms (Bryan Gibson)
——————–

-1-

“His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

Wayne S. Walker

The Bible teaches us that God is omniscient. His eyes behold everything that occurs in this world. Jesus once said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore: you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7). The point that Jesus was making was that if His eye is on the sparrow, then His eye is surely on us as well. What should this mean to us?

First, it means that God knows our needs and provides for them. “…For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). He provides for our physical needs. “Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17). Indeed, all good and perfect gifts come down from God above (James 1:17). He has promised in a special way to meet the needs of His people, for if we seek first His kingdom, what we shall eat, drink, and put on will be added to us (Matthew 6:33). However, the truth is that these blessings are indiscriminately given to all mankind (see Matthew 5:45).

But He also provides for our spiritual needs in Christ. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). He sent Christ to die for us that if we believe on Him we might not perish (John 3:16). He offers salvation through the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). He revealed the Scriptures to guide us (2 Timothy 3:16-17), And He ordained heaven to be our eternal reward (1 Peter 1:3-5). Whose are these spiritual blessings? Even they are available to all mankind because God does not want any to perish but wants everyone to come to repentance (Titus 2:11, 2 Peter 3:9). But the benefit of these blessings can be received only by those who obey Christ (Hebrews 5:8-9).

Secondly, God sees our troubles and wants to help us. In Genesis 16:1-13, Sarah was impatient for God’s promise of a son for Abraham and so gave her husband her handmaid, Hagar, to be his concubine and bear him a child. But as soon as Hagar conceived, Sarah became jealous and drove Hagar out into the wilderness. But God found Hagar and promised to bless her. She called the name of that place “You-Are-the-God-Who Sees.” From our temptations, He offers escape. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is a great source of comfort that my God wants to assist me in overcoming temptation.

From our anxieties, He offers peace through prayer. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). I do not have to spend my time worrying about my troubles; I can “take it to the Lord in prayer.” And from our cares He offers relief. “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). “Does Jesus care when my heart is pained Too deeply for mirth or song, As the burdens press, And the cares distress, And the way grows weary and long? O yes, He cares, I know He cares, His heart is touched with my grief; When the days are weary, The long night dreary, I know my Savior cares.”

Thirdly, God is aware of our sins and shows His mercy. We could never hide any of our sins from God. David said to the Lord, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off” (Psalm 139:1-2), We shall be judged by the deeds of our lives, the words of our lips, and even the thoughts of our hearts. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). If at that time we have any sins in our lives that are unforgiven, we shall suffer eternal punishment, for the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). Should such be the case, we shall “be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

But the good news of the gospel of Christ is that forgiveness of our sins is available. Jesus promised that “every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men…” (Matthew 12:31a). When such occurs, God has said, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). To be thus, the alien sinner is told, “…Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). To receive forgiveness, the erring Christian is commanded, “Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you” (Acts 8:22). Those who have been redeemed should say every day, “Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15).
Yes, God sees and knows. When dedicating the temple Solomon said to God, “…For You, only You, know the hearts of all the sons of man…” (1 Kings 8:39). God’s eye watches over us every minute, every day. He is cognizant of each action, each word, even each thought. Of course, this truth should be somewhat scary to the lost sinner. But it should provide great comfort and encouragement to the faithful Christian. “I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free, For His eye is on the sparrow, And I know He watches me” (Civilla D. Martin).

— Via Search for Truth, Volume XVII, Number 14, November 3, 2024

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-2-

What I Learned from Reading Psalms

Bryan Gibson

On the Subject of Prayer

Constantly—morning, noon, and evening (55:16-17), as long as I live (116:1-2), that’s how often I should pray—when I desire to give thanks (68:19; 107:8), when I need forgiveness (32:1-5; 51:1-7), when I’m persecuted (142:5-6; 109:1-5), when I’m burdened with grief and anxiety (61:1-4; 147:3), when I’m in need of boldness and courage (138:3), etc.

Psalms confirmed for me that God has great power (33:6-9); that He has infinite knowledge, even of every single individual (147:5; 33:13-15); that He is longsuffering, compassionate, merciful, righteous, and faithful (86:15; 121:1-8; 143:1); and that He shows great lovingkindness (36:7). What I learned from studying these attributes of God is that He is both willing and able to answer prayers.

One sobering revelation, confirmed in the New Testament, is that God does NOT answer the prayers of everyone, but of the righteous (18:20-24; 34:15-18)—the prayers of those who fear Him (145:19), who call upon him in truth (145:18), and who come to Him with a broken and contrite heart (34:18).

About the Burden of Sin and the Blessing of Forgiveness

From the powerful poetry used in this wonderful book, I learned that no heavier burden exists than the burden of sin, that the greatest anguish I can experience is knowing I’ve sinned against God, and that His wrath is against me, even as one of His children (25:11; 31:9-10; 32:3-4; 38:3-8, 17-18; 40:12; 41:4; 51:4).

But, I also learned there is “hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption” (130:7). The anguish over my sins can be replaced with “joy and gladness” (51:8)—if my heart is broken and contrite (34:18; 51:17), if I acknowledge my sins to Him (32:1-5; 51:3-4), and if I repent (51:10-15).

God is “ready to forgive” (86:5), and so if I meet these conditions, “as far as the east is from the west” (103:12), He will remove my transgressions from me. Thank you, God, for this precious blessing.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, October 15 & 17 (2 articles on prayer combined)

——————–

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 Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).

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; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
——————–

An A.I. called “ChatGPT” Gives the Plan of Salvation, Based on Only the Bible

Sword Tips #66

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Psalm 40

#1 The guilt of sin

#2 The hostility of his enemies

#3 The wound of contempt

#1 He “waited patiently for the Lord.”

#2 David praised God.

#3 David prayed (vs. 11-17)

Your Life is Like Grass

Matthew 9:12-13

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

If God Be For Us

Sin Must Not Be Supported

We Can Do What Is Right Without Human Support or Approval

Our Need For Divine Support

Giving Thanks to the Lord

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Why So Much Evil in the World?

Are You a Witness for the Lord?

We Are Not the Witnesses

Using Our Talents Wisely

Good Medicine

Faith Is Reasonable

Sword Tips #32

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Something Greater

What Jesus claimed for Himself

What Others Said of Him

Philippians 2:9-11

The Passion of Christ

A Changed Man: The Story of King Manasseh

Come Hungry

Sword Tips #26

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Peace with God

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Lord’s Supper

Introduction

A. Origin of Observance

B. Emblems of Observance

C. Day of Observance

D. Frequency of Observance

E. Purpose of Observance

Conclusion

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

David’s Charge to Solomon

“be thou strong”

“keep the charge”

“walk in his ways”

“keep his statutes …”

“that thou mayest prosper”

Cast Your Burden on the Lord

Sword Tips #22

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

A Tree & Its Fruit

Introduction

Beware of False Prophets

Who Come in Sheep’s Clothing

But Inwardly Are Ravenous Wolves

You Shall Know Them by Their Fruit

Conclusion

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

What I Learned from Reading Psalms

On the Subject of Prayer

About the Burden of Sin and the Blessing of Forgiveness

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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