The Gospel Observer

October 18, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Once Defiled, Now Blessed (Noah Diestelkamp)
2) Commit Your Way to the Lord and Trust Him (Psalm 37:5) (Mike Johnson)
3) Psalm 119:121-128 (Berean Standard Bible)

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Once Defiled, Now Blessed

Noah Diestelkamp

In the summer of 1834, a Mr. Nimrod Murphree posted this advertisement in a Nashville, Tennessee, newspaper: “To all Nations, Languages and People, Greeting—Know ye, that I, Nimrod Murphree, of the City of Nashville, and the State of Tennessee, have discovered perpetual motion.” In a subsequent issue, another paid for an ad in reply to Mr. Murphree, quipping, “Probably Mr. Murphree has succeeded in handing himself over the Cumberland River, or a barn yard fence, by the straps of his boots.” Almost 200 years later, we still have not achieved perpetual motion, and I suspect Mr. Murphree did not manage to hoist himself over the fence.

While the phrase “pull himself up by his bootstraps” is often used to communicate a need to “figure it out” and “do something unassisted,” we know that the phrase describes a physical act which is literally impossible. No amount of pulling on our shoes will do the trick! The post-exilic Jews found themselves in a somewhat similar situation during the time of Zerubbabel. By God’s grace, they had been allowed to return to the land and had begun the work of rebuilding the temple. But by the time of Haggai, that work had stopped and the people said, “the time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord” (Hag. 1:2). God sent the message to the people via Haggai that their lack of diligence and respect for the temple of the Lord was something worthy of repentance and gave them clear direction, saying, “Consider your ways. Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and that I may be glorified” (Hag. 1:7-8). Just a few verses later, we are told with beautiful simplicity that, all together, the leaders and people “obeyed the voice of the Lord their God” (Hag. 1:12). However, what at first might sound like a nice “comeback” story wherein the Jews just needed to “put in a little elbow grease” and “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” takes a turn in Haggai chapter two.

In chapter two, God called upon the Jews who had seen Solomon’s temple before it was destroyed, prompting them to compare the two. “Is it not as nothing in your eyes?” asked God. The people’s work, though admirable and obedient, could not bring back the glory of Solomon’s temple. God pointed this out to help them understand a very important truth: the true glory of the temple was the presence of God. “Be strong,” He told the people, “Work, for I am with you… My Spirit remains in your midst” (Hag. 2:4-5). With this He promised that this temple would indeed be filled with His glory, to the extent that “the latter glory of this house shall be greater than the former” (Hag. 2:9). The Jews could take heart in the work they were doing, not because they did such phenomenal work, but because God would bless their work and fill the temple with His glory.

In the following section of chapter two, God commanded Haggai to inquire of the priests regarding laws of cleanliness and defilement. Haggai was to ask the priests whether holy meat could, by physical contact, make other food holy. The priests answered that it could not. Haggai’s second question asked whether a person who was unclean could, by physical contact, make food unclean. This time the priests answered it would, indeed, make the food unclean. The point God was making through Haggai was “So it is with this people… and so with every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean” (Hag. 2:14). The Jews were defiled, so their offering—and even their work on the temple—was defiled. Yet, just as God’s glorious presence could fill even an unimpressive temple, so, too, could He offer blessing to a defiled people. In Haggai 2:15-19, God observed that these defiled people had been without His blessing for some time. Yet, in response to the people’s obedience, God said, “From this day on I will bless you” (Hag. 2:19).

The Jews were a defiled people building a defiled temple in a defiled land. In such a situation, there is no “pulling themselves up by their bootstraps,” there is only defilement and despair. The only remedy to their situation was God’s presence and blessing. In the time of Haggai, God offered His presence to the Jews when they obeyed Him in reverence (Hag. 1:12-14). Under the new covenant, we experience the fulfillment of this! Through Jesus, we—who were defiled—are now blessed. We are temples of His Spirit, purposed for His glory! Did we accomplish this? Did we grab our bootstraps? Thank God the answer is “NO!” Along with the Jews and their temple, our lives are privileged to be a testament to the glory of God who blesses penitent and obedient hearts.

— Via Think on These Things, Vol. 57, No. 4, October-November-December 2026

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Commit Your Way to the Lord and Trust Him

(Psalm 37:5)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 37:5 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” Psalm 37 is an admonition to followers of God to retain their confidence in Him and not be discouraged when facing hardships in life. Among other exhortations, they were told to commit their way (course of life) to God and trust in him. Similarly, Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established.”

Consider the meaning of the Hebrew word translated “commit.” The root meaning involves the idea of “roll” and refers to the “rolling of a stone.” Consider the following definition: “It can also describe abstract concepts, such as reproach being rolled off (removed) from someone (Ps 119:22) or one’s ways and works rolled onto (committed, entrusted) to someone (especially God)…” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament). Thus, it might be said we are to roll off the burdens of life onto the Lord. Consider 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”

We must commit our lives to the Lord and trust Him to take care of us. Further, as we handle the burdens of life, we give God credit. Have you committed your life to the Lord? Do you trust in Him? If not, you should.

— Via Seeking Things Above, Volume 1, Number 1, April 2020

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Psalm 119:121-128

Ayin

¹²¹I have done what is just and right; do not leave me to my oppressors.

¹²²Ensure Your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.

¹²³My eyes fail, looking for Your salvation, and for Your righteous promise.

¹²⁴Deal with Your servant according to Your loving devotion, and teach me Your statutes.

¹²⁵I am Your servant; give me understanding, that I may know Your testimonies.

¹²⁶It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken Your law.

¹²⁷Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.

¹²⁸Therefore I admire all Your precepts and hate every false way.

— Berean Standard Bible

______________

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 (except for last of the month Song Service)
and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

October 11, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Beneath the Cross (Matt Hennecke)
2) Seek God When He May Be Found (Psalm 32:6) (Mike Johnson)
3) Psalm 119:113-120 (Berean Standard Bible)

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Beneath the Cross

Matt Hennecke

Whenever we gather to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we join in remembering something we didn’t witness—Jesus’s crucifixion. We attempt to somehow “see” what we didn’t see. Is this even possible?

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, he told his followers to eat in remembrance of him; but I wasn’t at the cross and you weren’t either, so how can we remember? And we’re not the only ones who weren’t there. Except for one, that ragtag group of apostles who had followed Jesus during his three-year ministry weren’t there either.

You know who stood beneath the cross of Jesus when he was crucified? His mother. Why? One word: love. Hers was the undying devotion and amazing love of a mother. Despite the absolute horror she was about to witness, no one—neither the Jewish religious elite nor the Roman government—could have kept her from being at her son’s side when the world was at its darkest. There’s nothing in this life more powerful than a mother’s love. It is only eclipsed by God’s love who sent his son to die on the very cross beneath which Mary stood.

The Bible records several other women were present, but where were all the men? Where were the apostles? They’d run. Matthew 26:56 says simply “…all…left him and fled.” John—the one whom Jesus loved—also stood beneath the cross of Jesus. Apparently, he’d fled with the others; but love stopped his flight and, despite the danger, he returned to be with Jesus. Of the apostles, then, only one—John—saw Jesus crucified. The others had fled for their lives—the very lives Jesus was sent to save. Perhaps later, to their shame, when asked if they had seen the crucifixion of Jesus, they had to reply, “No, I wasn’t there.” When these ambassadors of Christ who preached the gospel throughout the known world joined with fellow Christians in taking the Lord’s Supper, they likely felt pangs of guilt as they sought to remember something they had not seen.

So, again, the question: Can we remember what we’ve not witnessed? Can we “see” what we’ve not seen? Can we stand beneath the cross of Jesus and see him crucified? I think we can. I believe we are standing beneath the cross of Jesus when we assemble to partake of the Lord’s Supper.

How can I say this? Because faith is all about “seeing” what we haven’t seen. Hebrews 1:1 says, “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” A bit later in the chapter—in verse 27—the writer describes faith somewhat differently. He says faith is “seeing the unseen.”

Elizabeth Clephane—a young Scottish poetess—wrote the lyrics to a hymn we occasionally sing. Sadly, she died at the young age of 39, long before her work was published. One of her poems put to music is entitled “Beneath the Cross.” Elizabeth believed we could “see the unseen” and she believed—despite not having been there—that we could stand and take a stand—even today—beneath the cross of Jesus.

Consider her beautiful lyrics:

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
Within a weary land.
A home within the wilderness,
A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
And the burden of the day.

Upon that cross of Jesus
Mine eyes at times can see
The very dying form of One
Who suffer’d there for me.
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
Two wonders I confess:
The wonders of redeeming love,
And my unworthiness.

I take, O cross, thy shadow
For my abiding place.
I ask no other sunshine than
The sunshine of His face.
Content to let the world go by,
To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
My glory all the cross.

— Via Think on These Things, July-August-September, 2026, Vol. 57, No. 3

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Seek God When He May Be Found

(Psalm 32:6)

Mike Johnson

In Psalm 32, David describes what might be called the “blessedness of forgiveness.” In this Psalm, David speaks of the agony of sin and of the joy of receiving forgiveness from God. In the course of doing this (v. 6), he speaks of the need to seek God when He “may be found.” Cannot God always be found by the penitent sinner? In a sense, the answer is “yes,” but something else is involved here. God is not hiding from the sinner, but the sinner may not have the opportunity to find God. Many events in life can happen, which take away opportunities to make ourselves right with God. Consider three circumstances/events, which can occur:

1. Our conscience can become hardened or seared. Hebrews 3:13 speaks of a person being “hardened through the deceitfulness of sin”; Romans 2:5 describes an “impenitent heart”; 1 Timothy 4:2 speaks of those who have “their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” People often want to repent and confess their sins to God because their conscience bothers them. However, as time goes on, and they continue to ignore conscience, it then ceases to bother them and becomes hardened or seared. They have lost their opportunity.

2. We can die at any time (James 4:13-17). We are going to be judged based on that which we have done in our body (2 Cor. 5:10). After death, it will be too late.

3. Christ can return at any time (Mt. 24:36-44, 2 Pet. 3:10). At a time when we least expected it, time, and our opportunity to repent can end on this earth.

The point is clear. We must take advantage of the time we have now to receive forgiveness lest we lose the opportunity, i.e., we must seek forgiveness “in a time when God can be found.” II Corinthians 6:2 says, “… Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” All of us should seek God now while we can find Him.

— Via Seeking Things Above, Volume 1, Number 1, April 2020

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Psalm 119:113-120

Samekh

¹¹³The double-minded I despise, but Your law I love.

¹¹⁴You are my hiding place and my shield; I put my hope in Your word.

¹¹⁵Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may obey the commandments of my God.

¹¹⁶Sustain me as You promised, that I may live; let me not be ashamed of my hope.

¹¹⁷Uphold me, and I will be saved, that I may always regard Your statutes.

¹¹⁸You reject all who stray from Your statutes, for their deceitfulness is in vain.

¹¹⁹All the wicked on earth You discard like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies.

¹²⁰My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments.

— Berean Standard Bible
_____________

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).
——————–

Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes (except for last of the month Song Service)
and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

October 4, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) We Were Created for a Purpose (Heath Rogers)
2) Psalm 119:105-112 (Berean Standard Bible)

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We Were Created for a Purpose

Heath Rogers

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (Ps. 8:3-4).

David saw the moon and stars as evidence of God’s creative wisdom and power. These heavenly bodies were ordained, or set in place, by God (Is. 40:26) as a permanent testimony to His power and greatness.

As David contemplated these things, he began to feel small and insignificant: “What is man that You are mindful of him?” Every generation has pondered this same question. Unlike David, many today consider their origin and purpose without knowledge of their Creator. Without God, we are mere specks in the cosmos, the products of random chance, without meaning and purpose for our existence. There is nothing to account for the intricate design clearly seen in our universe. No adequate explanation for the existence of morality, mercy, justice, and love. However, when, through His word, we know God, everything comes into sharp focus.

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Gen. 2:7; c.f. Ps. 100:3).

Mankind is not the latest version of a highly evolved life form, the product of eons of genetic mutations. We are not a mere collection of conscious matter without purpose propelled across the Milky Way galaxy. We are the pinnacle of God’s creation, the creature for whom He made everything else (Gen. 1:26-28). He gave us dominion over the rest of His creation. It is ours to explore, inhabit, cultivate, and use – to God’s glory.

We are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:13-14). The cells in our bodies making up our limbs and organs are all crafted by God. He uniquely designed the features (skin color, eye color, hair color, height, etc.) that make us distinct from one another. Each individual’s aptitude and personality is, in part, the result of God’s design. God even determined the time and place that you came into this world.

Life has meaning when we realize we have a Creator to Whom we owe our existence. This is one reason we reverence, praise, and serve Him (Ps. 100).

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” (Gen. 1:26-27).

“Created in God’s image” does not mean God has arms and legs, hands and feet, a head and torso. He does not have a physical body. It means we are the only part of His creation that has an eternal spirit. In this, we alone are like our Maker. God gave animals instinct, and some instinctive behavior is very complex. However, He gave us freewill. We can think, learn, and reason. Like our God, we have a wide range of emotions, a sense of right and wrong (morality), a desire to create, an admiration of beauty, the ability to love, and the desire to be loved in return.

After making everything else, God designed mankind to be able and willing to commune and connect with Him. God “has put eternity into man’s heart” (Eccl. 3:11, ESV). Animals received instinct, but we were given a desire to connect with something or someone greater than us. God “inhabits eternity” (Is. 57:15). This longing for eternity brings our desire for fellowship with God.

The world around us reveals our Creator’s presence (Ps. 19:1-3; Rom. 1:18-20). However, it is not enough to know God exists. God calls for us to understand and know Him. “But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight” (Jer. 9:24). Our purpose is not to obtain an education, master a skill, find a soulmate, achieve greatness, or leave a legacy. The greatest thing we can accomplish is to know and understand God.

While in Athens on his second missionary journey, Paul was roused to speak up when he saw the city completely given over to idols (Acts 17:16, 22-23). It wasn’t that the Athenians did not believe in God. They believed in a multitude of gods, but not one of them was their true Creator.

Given the opportunity to address them with the gospel, Paul told them they were made by God (Acts 17:24-26). Then he told them they had been created for a purpose: “So that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being…” (vs. 27-28a).

The phrase “that they might grope for” is from a Greek word that refers to the moving of one’s hands over a surface; the effort necessary to find something in the dark. This is exactly what the people of Athens were doing by pursuing all their idols. They were acting on the eternity (knowledge of something greater than this world) that God had put in their hearts, but without the light of His revelation.

The Athenians were groping for meaning in the darkness of paganism. Today, people are searching for meaning in their lives without acknowledging God. Some have been influenced by the theory of evolution and have decided God does not exist. Others have a bad attitude toward God and prefer to live without Him. However, none of this changes the fact that they are made in His image. They are acting on the longing for eternity that He placed in their hearts, but they are looking in all the wrong places to satisfy this longing.

I picture this eternity that He placed in our hearts, or being made in God’s image, as a large, God-shaped hole within ourselves. We can search the world for something to fill this hole (satisfy this longing), but we will come up empty every time because only God can fill this void.

The message of atheistic evolution is that we are the products of chance, without meaning and purpose for our existence. The Bible’s message is that we are the most important part of God’s creation – its pinnacle and purpose.

Fish were created to swim. Birds were created to fly. When fish swim and birds fly, they fulfill their purpose and glorify their Creator. You and I have been fearfully and wonderfully made in God’s image. We were created to have fellowship with God. When we are reconciled to God through the blood of His Son (Col. 1:20-22), come to know and understand God as our Heavenly Father, and walk with Him in daily fellowship, we are finally fulfilling the purpose for which we have been uniquely created.

— via the weekly bulletin of the Knollwood church of Christ, September 2026

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Psalm 119:105-112

Nun

¹⁰⁵Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

¹⁰⁶I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.

¹⁰⁷I am severely afflicted, O LORD; revive me through Your word.

¹⁰⁸Accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me Your judgments.

¹⁰⁹I constantly take my life in my hands, yet I do not forget Your law.

¹¹⁰The wicked have set a snare for me, but I have not strayed from Your precepts.

¹¹¹Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

¹¹²I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes, even to the very end.

— Via Berea Standard Bible

______________

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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

September 27, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Spiritual Tipping Points (David Diestelkamp)
2) Psalm 119:97-104 (Berean Standard Bible)
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Spiritual Tipping Points

David Diestelkamp

There are moments that reach such intensity that all which is held sacred and true may be ignored and a threshold crossed to do unthinkable actions. These are called tipping points. They happen in everyday life, but they also happen in one’s spiritual life.

Let me tell you about a man who was supposed to stand for law and order. When challenged publicly to break the law and support injustice, he refused. He tried to reason with the accusers and rebuffed them multiple times with innocent verdicts. He even appealed to a tradition, but it didn’t solve the problem. Even after his wife warned him not to, he gave in. This man was Pontius Pilate, and his tipping point was politics: “From then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, ‘If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.’ When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus out…” and soon “delivered Him to them to be crucified” (Jn 19:12-16).
Law, justice, reasoning, innocent rulings, tradition, and a spouse weren’t enough to hold Pilate to do what he knew to be the right thing. He fought it until something was at risk that he valued more than law, justice, reasoning, his findings, tradition, and his wife’s input. This isn’t a case of a blind or ignorant decision. Pilate knew his decision to hand Jesus over violated law, justice, reason, judgment, tradition, and his wife’s advice. But politics and job security were his tipping point. The chilling part of this is that all of us probably have a spiritual tipping point too.

Managing Our Tipping Points

I don’t have one. We are tempted to deny our tipping points. Wicked men like Pilate are not the only ones who have tipping points. Peter didn’t think he would turn his back on what he knew to be true and deny the Lord: “Even if I have to die with You, I will not deny You” (Matt 26:35). The fact that we don’t see our tipping points is what makes them so easy to sneak up on us. The fact that we deny them is what makes them so dangerous. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).

Imagining the unimaginable. Pilate initially stood for the law and pronounced Jesus’ innocence many times – “I find no fault in this Man” (Lk 23:4) and “…nothing deserving of death has been done by Him” (Lk 23:14-15). Pilate is strong until he’s not and then does the unimaginable by authorizing the crucifixion of the innocent Jesus. Peter tried to imagine the worst that could happen, “If I have to die with You” (Mk 14:31), but he didn’t see confessing Christ when under pressure as his tipping point. Christians may be strong until something unimaginable happens and they “…crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame” (Heb 6:6).

Avoid micro-compromises. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and the false charges were due to envy (Matt 27:18), yet he offered to have Jesus beaten and released (Lk 23:16, 17). He actually did have Jesus scourged, but instead of de-escalating things, “…when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” (Jn 19:1, 5-6). Some of these seem like innocent missteps, such as Peter sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matt 26:40-41), while others try to quantify and belittle sin. These can blind us and even cause our consciences to be “seared with a hot iron” (1 Tim. 4:2). Consciously allowing any sin to dwell in our hearts and lives compromises our reverence for God and His will and dilutes our abhorrence of evil (Rom. 12:9). Compromises are wrong and will create additional unthinkable future tipping points.

Avoid abandoning knowledge and reason in intense situations. Pilate’s problem wasn’t that he didn’t know that the law said Jesus was innocent or that he was convinced by reason that Jesus was guilty. Peter’s triple denial wasn’t due to him not knowing the truth about Jesus. The problem is that things like fear and consequences can cause us to ignore what we know and accept bad reasoning (or no reasoning at all). God warns us to remain vigilant, clear minded, and thoughtful in all situations (1 Pet 5:8; Phil 4:8). If we fail to do so, we may cross our tipping point and do what we know we shouldn’t.

Avoid “I can do whatever I want” thinking. Pilate thought he could do whatever he wanted. He said to Jesus, “Are You not speaking to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?” (Jn 19:10). Jesus reminded Pilate that he wouldn’t have any power at all against Him “unless it had been given you from above” (Jn 19:11). When Peter denied what Jesus said about His suffering and death, Jesus told him, “…You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men” (Matt 16:23). Thinking we know better than God or that we are in control tips us into things that are not the will of God.

Listen to warnings. While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, “…his wife sent to him, saying, ‘Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him’” (Matt 27:19). Pilate didn’t listen. Jesus warned the disciples, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night” (Matt 26:31). Peter was certain that he wouldn’t stumble, but Jesus warned him that he would deny Him three times (Matt 26:33). In the Garden, Jesus warned the disciples, “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matt 26:41). They didn’t listen. There is power to avoid tipping points in warnings, vigilance, and prayer.

Avoid siding with Jesus’ enemies. “When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all…” and “…wanting to gratify the crowd… he delivered Jesus, after he had scourged Him, to be crucified” (Matt 27:24; Mk 15:15). Crowdsourcing and crowd-pleasing are often disastrous. And sometimes just being around those who are against Jesus takes us to our tipping point. It can be like after Jesus’ arrest with Peter warming himself by the fire in the courtyard of the high priest and exposing himself to his tipping point and denying Jesus. Being with the wrong people when we’re vulnerable can tip us to want to please them rather than God.

Return. It appears that Pilate’s tip was a one-way trip, but it doesn’t have to be. Jesus said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren” (Lk 22:31-32). Simon’s faith failed, but it wouldn’t be a total failure if he returned to Jesus. And he did! When Jesus rose from the dead, the angel told the women at the empty tomb, “…go, tell His disciples – and Peter – that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see him, as He said to you” (Mk 16:7). When we stumble over our tipping points, our Lord prays that our faith will not fail and that we’ll return to Him – even after our worst denials. The angels of heaven say, “Go tell His disciples – and [your name].”

— via Think on These Things, Vol. 57, No. 2, April-May-June, 2026
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Psalm 119:97-104

Mem

⁹⁷O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.

⁹⁸Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine.

⁹⁹I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation.

¹⁰⁰I understand more than the aged, Because I have observed Your precepts.

¹⁰¹I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word.

¹⁰²I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, For You Yourself have taught me.

¹⁰³How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

¹⁰⁴From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way.

— Berean Standard Bible
______________

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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

September 20, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Why We Love Daniel (Doy Moyer)
2) ‘Greetings!’ (Andy Diestelkamp)

——————–

-1-

Why We Love Daniel

Doy Moyer

Several lessons from Daniel lately remind us how important his example is for Christians today. Daniel lived in a time when Babylon overpowered Israel and took captives. So influential is Babylon in the story of Scripture that the name becomes a figure for a nation that opposes God and His people (e.g, the Book of Revelation). Yet Daniel not only survived Babylon, then Persia, he thrived without compromising truth or His devotion to God. He was likely a teenager when taken by Babylon and lived out most of his life in captivity. Even so, he became a voice that was heard in the courts of Babylon and Persia without having to cater to the evils that were present. The following is not a complete list, but here are some reminders why we appeal to Daniel as an example:

He was convicted. As young and competent as Daniel was, he still believed he needed God. He demonstrated this by his conviction when “he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself.” He was familiar with God’s Law. He knew the difference between what was clean and unclean, and his conviction led him to ask. This took some courage. How easy would it have been for the Babylonian officials to rebuff Daniel for thinking that he could do better than the king’s food and drink? Yet this was not Daniel being a food snob; it was conviction that was based on God’s Law. He asked; he spoke up, and this takes conviction and courage when you are in a hostile environment. Are we afraid now to speak up, to ask, to demonstrate conviction about right and wrong as we face hostility?

He was resolved. “But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank” (Dan 1:8). Coinciding with Daniel’s conviction, we note that he had resolved not to defile himself. This may be a difference without much distinction, but the point to note here is that for Daniel to truly demonstrate the conviction, he had to first resolve that he would do what is right. He did not accidentally show conviction. It was purposeful and grounded in a decision he had already made. Perhaps he could have asked not to be defiled and then backed off when rejected by the officials. Yet his asking was not a weak question mark. It was resolute query that showed he was serious. Likewise, when we confront a hostile culture, we need to have already decided in the mind to do what is right. Then, when the time comes, we will be ready to show our conviction by our actions.

He always pointed to God. Daniel was humble, not seeking personal attention. He pointed to God as the source of his abilities and always sought to give God the glory. When Daniel went before Nebuchadnezzar to interpret the king’s dream, he affirmed that it was God who gave interpretations (2:27-28). Then as he gave the interpretation and showed Nebuchadnezzar to be the head of that statue in the dream, Daniel said that it was God who had given the king the kingdom, the power, the might, and the glory (2:36). This is consistent for Daniel. God rules in the kingdoms of men, and no matter how much ability or power one might have, God is the source of it all. There is no authority or power without Him. This is always true. Any power or ability that we might have today still relies on God.

He was devoted to prayer. Daniel was a man of prayer. It was because of his prayer life that his enemies were able to seek a charge against him. The “high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, ‘We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God’” (6:4-5). That ground was Daniel’s prayer life, and when Daniel found out about the decree not to pray to any but Darius, Daniel did what he always did. He prayed to God. We know the rest of that story, and we also know how God protected Daniel. We also note, as we have been taught, that Daniel’s prayer found in chapter 9 is a great example of how prayer can be effective. Here is a great example for us now.

He trusted the outcome to God. Daniel was in a stressful situation, and it would have been easy for him to fret over what might come. However, his attitude and prayer life demonstrates that he trusted all the outcomes to God. Daniel knew that God kept His promises, and his prayers demonstrate his faith that God would answer accordingly. He didn’t panic and try to force anything. He simply trusted God to be faithful to His own word.

We need the example of Daniel to show us how to respond to our modern Babylon. Thank God for this.

— Via the Bulletin Articles from the Vestavia church of Christ, August 23, 2026

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‘Greetings!’

Andy Diestelkamp

It is common courtesy in communication to extend greetings to those with whom we interact and even to those with whom we may only briefly intersect. It was typical of Paul in his letters to the churches and to individuals to have some opening and closing remarks which included some form of greeting. For example, at the close of his letter to Titus he wrote, “All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith” (Titus 3:15). To the churches in Rome, Paul closed his letter with an extensive list of greetings to specific brethren and then passed along the greetings of other specific co-workers in the gospel as well as the general “the churches of Christ greet you” (Rom. 16:16).

The word that is translated greet is the same word that in other contexts is translate rejoice. A greeting is something that is generally positive and expressed with joy and a desire for the recipient of the greeting to have joy.

In Paul’s time, a common form of greeting face to face was with a kiss (which would have been much like a brief embrace). Many are familiar with Paul’s admonition to “greet one another with a holy kiss” in some of his letters to the churches (1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; cf. Rom. 16:16; 1 Thess. 5:26). However, the emphasis of Paul’s command is not on the kissing part but on the need for it to be holy. Since kissing to greet was already a cultural norm in ancient times, Paul’s concern was with its holiness. Since our culture generally associates kissing with more intimate relationships, we might assume that Paul is concerned with keeping those common greetings morally pure. While certainly, Paul would want to encourage holiness in that sense, this is probably not what was foremost in his mind.

Paul wanted their greetings to one another to be sincere and genuine in their joyful expressions. That greetings might be insincere is no better exemplified than in Judas Iscariot’s kiss of Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he said with feigned loyalty and affection as he kissed Him (Matt. 26:49). This was not a holy kiss!

So regardless of the mode of greeting, we ought to be holy and sincere in our greeting of one another as brethren. We Christians ought to be holy greeters to all we come in contact with because we are also admonished to be hospitable (Heb. 13:2); and hospitality begins most simply with a holy and sincere greeting.

When strangers dare to venture into our assemblies, the least we can do is greet them, acknowledge their existence and their presence, and welcome them by showing a holy, genuine interest in them. When we leave such greetings only to others (e.g. the preacher, the elders, the extroverts, etc.), we are failing to be hospitable in this most basic and simple way.

Granted, some visitors may find greetings awkward and uncomfortable (as many of us do when interacting with strangers). However, a sincere welcome generally will be appreciated, and a failure to be greeted will be noticed. So, let’s greet one another with a holy sincerity and also be aware of and joyful toward outsiders who courageously venture into our assemblies. Introduce yourself with joy and rejoice at the possibilities that may come from a simple, holy greeting.

— Via Think on These Things, October-November-December, 2024, Vol. 55, No. 4

______________

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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

September 13, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) How Should Christians React (Doy Moyer)
2) The Gospel of Peace (Bryan Gibson)
3) Psalm 119:89-96 (Berean Standard Bible)

——————–

-1-

How Should Christians React?

Doy Moyer

We are constantly being influenced and, I dare say, manipulated, by images put forward daily in a social media world that virtually always has our attention. These images might be real, but in these days there is a good chance they are not. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) everywhere, along with considerable expertise in photoshopping and video editing, we are often fed images and videos that are deceptive or filled with half-truths. Add to this the number of parody news sites that are now almost indiscernible, where we see images and headlines that look real enough, so we go with it without vetting it further. Then, even if a story is real, we might be hearing only one side of it, and this can be quite dangerous. Consequently, we are open to the deception and respond with knee-jerk reactions and emotions that are not grounded in truth. Once we settle something in our emotions, it’s hard to give up. Then, we are called on to take sides and fight over something that we don’t even know for sure is real, though we react with absolute certainty and crushing partiality.

Does this mean we cannot know the truth of anything? No. Truth is knowable. But this does mean that we need to exercise extra caution and know the potential for deception that permeates social media circles. As with the wise of old, we need to be those who understand the times in which we live (cf. 1 Chron 12:32). Today, that includes a digital world that can feed on lies. Like it or not, this is where we are.

How should Christians react in a world that feeds on half-truths and manipulation? Here are some suggestions:

1. Don’t react in haste. Because of hasty reactions, stories get passed around that just aren’t true, and we then may become guilty of spreading rumors or slander. Slow down. Make sure a story is true, and if we can’t do that, perhaps hold off on passing it around. “Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly” (Prov 14:29).

2. Watch the emotional reactions. We are emotional beings, and this can be played upon to manipulate those feelings and turn them into unrighteous anger (which does not produce the righteousness of God, James 1:20). The emotions may be screaming at us to say or do something, but remember that emotions themselves cannot tell us whether something is true. Our emotions react to lies as well as truth. That takes us back to point 1. “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (Prov 18:2). In our desire to be heard, let us not become the fool.

3. Ask how necessary it is to pass something along, particularly something that foments division and encourages outrage. I may be furthering the devil’s work by helping keep division alive when it was never necessary to enter the fray in the first place. Pick your battles with great care so that when you do join in, you can do so with honesty and assurance (see Prov 10:19).

4. Calmly and kindly point people to truth (Prov 23:23). If you can establish the truth of something by solid evidence, then point people to the evidence and let it speak for itself. Out-yelling someone is not a sign of truth. Persuade through proper reason, not manipulation. This needs to be done apart from party affiliations, for no worldly political party has the corner on the truth market. Be wary of special pleading by ignoring evidence.

5. Seek for unity and peace through love and respect (Rom 12:9-21). I realize that sometimes divisions are inevitable (cf. Matt 10:34-39). But unity needs to be the goal, and this only comes through love, diligence. and honesty in our work ethic.

6. Be open to hearing other perspectives. Is it possible that we have missed something? Have we jumped to conclusions only to find that another explanation makes better sense of a situation? Perhaps we are correct in our understanding, but truth has nothing to fear by investigation. “The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him” (Prov 18:17). Have we fairly listened?

7. Always ask what will glorify God. If we hastily react, we might not stop to think about how God would want us to react. He is the Standard to which we look, so let us make sure we are seeking His glory above all. “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Col 3:17).

Over the years, I bear my share of guilt in violating these principles. In our age wherein deception can take hold quickly and spread like wildfire, Christians need to be cautious in how they react to the various stories and news cycles. This doesn’t mean there is no reaction at all; it does mean that actions need to be measured and reasonable. “Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand” (Phil 4:5).

— Via the Bulletin Articles from the Vestavia church of Christ, April 26, 2026

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The Gospel of Peace

Bryan Gibson

“Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, ‘If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes’” (Luke 19:42).

Let us be more determined than ever to preach the “gospel of peace” (Romans 10:15; Ephesians 6:15), to point others to the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), the ultimate peacemaker, the only One who can break down every source of division and enmity (Ephesians 2:14-18)—between us and God, and between us and our fellow man.

Tell your friends, your neighbors, your family members, the stranger you meet on the street the things which make for their peace. Open their eyes with the gospel; point them to Jesus. Tell them how Jesus “made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). Show them how Jesus can give “rest” to their souls (Matthew 11:28), how sin is really the source of all “unrest.” Tell them how they can have “peace with God” (Romans 5:1), how that peace can be “multiplied” (2 Peter 1:2), and how that same peace can “rule” in their hearts (Colossians 3:15). Explain to them how the peace which Jesus gives is unlike any other (John 14:27), a peace so marvelous it “surpasses understanding” (Philippians 4:7). Tell them of the fellowship they can have in the “one body” with the redeemed of all ages, the redeemed “from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9).

“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things” (Romans 10:15). “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God” (Matthew 5:9).

— Via The Weekly Bulletin of the Prattmont church of Christ, December 5, 2021

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-3-

Psalm 119:89-96

Lamedh

⁸⁹Your word, O LORD, is everlasting; it is firmly fixed in the heavens.

⁹⁰Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures.

⁹¹Your ordinances stand to this day, for all things are servants to You.

⁹²If Your law had not been my delight, then I would have perished in my affliction.

⁹³I will never forget Your precepts, for by them You have revived me.

⁹⁴I am Yours; save me, for I have sought Your precepts.

⁹⁵The wicked wait to destroy me, but I will ponder Your testimonies.

⁹⁶I have seen a limit to all perfection, but Your commandment is without limit.

— Berean Standard Bible
______________

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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

September 6, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Where is the Gym? (Mike Johnson)
2) “No Greater Joy” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)
3) Psalm 119:81-88 (Berean Standard Bible)

——————–

-1-

Where is the Gym?

Mike Johnson

Many people would be surprised if they visited a large church and found out it did not have a gymnasium or something called a “fellowship hall.” Many churches today have become more like social clubs than churches. They provide events as meals, dances, bingo parties, basketball games, and other social events. Some churches have better recreational facilities than the local YMCA.

Did God ever intend for the church to provide recreation and social events? What does the Bible say about recreation as a function of the church? Can these endeavors be proven by the Word of God?

What is the function or work of the church as ordained by God? This question is essential, and we can learn the answer in the Bible. If the Bible does not state the church’s work, it has no duty toward a particular purpose and can engage in anything it wants. However, if an objective exists, we must keep the church functioning within its God-given design.

The Bible teaches that the church has a threefold responsibility. First, it is to preach the gospel to the lost. 1 Timothy 3:15 refers to the church as the pillar and ground of the truth (also note Eph. 3:9-10, I Thess. 1:8, 2 Cor. 11:8). Next, the church is to teach or instruct its members, i.e., those who are Christians (1 Tim. 3:15, Eph. 4:11-12, Acts 20:28), and finally, the church can provide for needy saints (Acts 11:29-30).

God has given the church this threefold mission or purpose. Does this constitute a pattern? Surely, it does. We must act with Bible authority. We are not to “add to” or “take away from” God’s Word (Rev. 22:18-19); we must abide in the doctrine of Christ (2 Jn. 9). It would be sinful to add a work for the church that God does not give. Nowhere does the Bible teach that recreation and social affairs are the church’s work. To add this function would be to add to the Word of God.

The church can spend money from its treasury and provide facilities for God’s assigned work. It cannot use its funds or provide facilities for that which is not its work. Clean recreation and entertainment are great. However, they are not to be provided by the church. I do not know of a single passage that would authorize such practices. Why can’t people be content to let the church be the church?

— via Seeking Things Above

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-2-

“No Greater Joy”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

John told Gaius, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (III Jn. 4). This statement, though short, teaches us several things. Let us break this verse down, see what John was saying, and make some applications to our lives.

“I Have No Greater Joy” – This phrase emphasizes that John’s greatest joy was knowing that Gaius, Demetrius (v. 12), and other Christians (i.e.,“friends,” v. 14) were holding fast to the Lord. This highlights the importance of spiritual priorities. He had his joy set on things eternal and not temporal (II Cor. 4:18). In other words, John’s joy did not rest in men’s opinion of him or some physical pursuit. John’s joy was in knowing that faithful Christians were doing their duty for the Lord! (See: II Jn. 4)

Friend, what gives you joy? Is it vacations? Physical pursuits? Work? Children? Cars? Hobbies? These things might bring momentary happiness, but what brings joy? Is our true joy found in spiritual things? If we truly love the brethren as we ought (I Pet. 2:17), we will be able to speak as John concerning the well-doing of brethren all over this country and world!

“Than To Hear” – Though he was not there in body, John was concerned for the brethren. He wanted “to hear” about Gaius and others and learn about their welfare. I know brethren who look down on such concern for others, but John (and the other apostles) showed us the proper example (I Cor. 4:16, 11:1; Phil. 3:17; Eph. 5:1-2). Please understand, John was not interested in gossip or idle talk, but genuinely concerned for their souls. This attitude of sincere care should be ours as well (Prov. 25:25).

Other apostles showed concern for the brethren as well. We see Paul’s care for brethren through all of his epistles (II Cor. 11:28; Rom. 16:1-15; I Cor. 1:11; Phil. 4:21; Col. 4:15, 17). The same goes for Peter (I Pet. 1:1, 2:17; II Pet. 1:1).

How concerned are we for our brethren? Do we show it through prayers? Through financial support or other means? Are we so caught up in ourselves that we don’t have time to “hear” about the welfare of other Christians?

“My Children” – This does not refer to his physical lineage, but to those he had been instrumental in bringing to the Lord. The apostle Paul used the same language for those he taught (I Cor. 4:15, 17; I Tim. 1:1-2; II Tim. 1:1-2; Titus 1:4).

I think it is interesting to note that we are never told about the apostles’ physical children. (Though we know that men such as the apostle Peter had children, I Pet. 5:1!). I wonder if this was done so we would keep our eyes on the apostles who pointed us to Christ, rather than on their descendants, whom we might treat as “royalty” or give some special position in the church that God never intended?

Brethren, what is our attitude toward fellow Christians? Do we strive for closeness? Do we treat one another as brethren? Let me ask this another way: How many can we consider “children” in the sense that John and Paul used the word (II Tim. 2:2)?

“Walk In Truth” – The word “walk” describes one’s manner of life or behavior. This was seen as Gaius showed hospitality toward others and set the right example to fellow Christians who were not traveling (III Jn. 5-8). In other words, Gaius was faithfully following God despite the difficulties that surrounded him. He didn’t merely give lip-service to the truth, but was walking in it! John said those, like Gaius, who were walking in the truth brought him great joy. Why did he have joy? It is because he knew that what they were doing pleased the Father (II Jn 4; III Jn. 4). Let us examine ourselves so that when the Lord returns, He will find us walking in truth.

—- Via The Ancient Landmark, August 9, 2026

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Psalm 119:81-88

Kaph

⁸¹My soul faints for Your salvation; I wait for Your word.

⁸²My eyes fail, looking for Your promise; I ask, “When will You comfort me?”

⁸³Though I am like a wineskin dried up by smoke, I do not forget Your statutes.

⁸⁴How many days must Your servant wait? When will You execute judgment on my persecutors?

⁸⁵The arrogant have dug pits for me in violation of Your law.

⁸⁶All Your commandments are faithful; I am persecuted without cause—help me!

⁸⁷They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken Your precepts.

⁸⁸Revive me according to Your loving devotion, that I may obey the testimony of Your mouth.

— Berean Standard Bible

______________

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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

August 30, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Daniel Chapter One: Setting the Stage (Bryan Gibson)
2) Count Your Many Blessings — Then Weigh Them (Tim Nichols)
3) Psalm 119:73-80 (Berean Standard Bible)

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-1-

Daniel Chapter One:
Setting the Stage

Bryan Gibson

That’s what Daniel chapter 1 does—it sets the stage for the rest of the book, and we can see that from looking at several verses in this first chapter.

“And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand…” (1:2). The various kings mentioned throughout this book—whatever these kings had was given to them by God, and were therefore accountable to Him. That point will be emphasized throughout the book (for one example, see 2:37-38).

According to 1:2, King Nebuchadnezzar carried vessels from the house of God into the house of his god. This sets up the account in chapter 5, when King Belshazzar drank wine from these vessels while praising other gods. See Daniel 5:23 for the strong rebuke given to him by Daniel.

“Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams” (1:17), a gift clearly given to him by God. Daniel will later interpret dreams for Nebuchadnezzar in chapters 2 and 4, and the handwriting on the wall for Belshazzar in chapter 5. In the latter half of the book, Daniel will receive four visions, one in chapter 7, another in chapter 8, yet another in chapter 9, and then one final long vision in chapters 10-12.

“Therefore they (Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) served before the king” (1:19). Not just before the king, but in very influential roles before the king. Others were interviewed for this role, but “among them all none was found” like these four men (1:19); in fact, the king “found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm” (1:20). Clearly God was blessing them (1:17), which helps explain how all four later receive promotions from the king (2:48-49; 3:30). You wouldn’t expect people who defy certain orders from the king (chapters 1, 3) to be promoted, but that’s exactly what happened. And the passage cited above (2:48) won’t be the last time Daniel is promoted (5:29-6:3). Greater opportunities were given them before the king because they were faithful to THE KING.

“Thus Daniel continued until the first year of King Cyrus” (1:21). Daniel actually continued beyond Cyrus’ first year, because Daniel received a vision “in the third year of Cyrus the king of Persia” (10:1). But there is something very significant about the first year of Cyrus’ reign—this is when He issued the decree for the captives to return and rebuild the temple (2 Chronicles 36:22-23; Ezra 1:1-4). Daniel lived to see the deliverance of His people from captivity! That is likely the reason the first year is emphasized in 1:21. Daniel served under Nebuchadnezzar (chs. 1-4), then Belshazzar (ch. 5), and when the Babylonian kingdom was “given to the Medes and Persians” (5:28), he served under Darius the Mede and Cyrus the Persian (ch. 6). This transition from one kingdom to another—that’s exactly what Daniel prophesied in chapter 2, and he lived it to see it.

Another prominent theme introduced in chapter 1 is God’s care for His people, as seen in His care for Daniel and his companions (the gifts/abilities He gave them—1:17; the favor and goodwill He gave them before others—1:9; the way He blessed them through the ten days of testing—1:14-16). Other examples will be revealed in the rest of the book, the most notable being when He delivered Daniel’s three companions from the fiery furnace (ch. 3), and Daniel from the lions’ den (ch. 6).

Need a good preview or introduction to the Book of Daniel? Read the first chapter. It doesn’t tell us everything to come, but it’s a good start.

— Via the Weekly Bulletin of the Prattmont church of Christ, August 2, 2026

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-2-

Count Your Many Blessings — Then Weigh Them

Tim Nichols

The old suggestion that you count your blessings in the midst of difficult times is a good one. Any realistic person who will sit down and begin to number his or her blessings will soon discover that they are many. In fact, one might discover that they are so numerous that it is virtually impossible to literally “name them one by one.” Even after the list is very long and we think we’ve made the last entry we realize that we’ve left something out. Job encountered this “problem” when he attempted to make the count while he was in the midst of great distress.

I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number: Who giveth rain upon the earth, and sendeth waters upon the fields: To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety (Job 5:8-11). Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number (Job 9:10).

But some pessimist might want to argue that his or her list of problems is equally long. When he compiles his list of problems he is always able to think of one more item to add. You would have a difficult time convincing him that his blessings outnumber his difficulties and it would be a lengthy debate. For every blessing he could find a problem. Both lists would, like the energizer bunny, keep going and going. Simply counting the number of items on the two lists may not be enough to bring relief to some who are dedicated to the proposition that problems are things to nurture while blessings are things to minimize.

It would be a helpful thing if we could discipline ourselves to compare our problems with our blessings and to assign some relative weight to each when compared with the other. If we would make a short list of our greatest blessings and compare them with our short list of worst problems we would soon find that our blessings far outweigh our problems. Paul was reckoning correctly and by inspiration when he measured the relative weight of the two:

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18).

Moses weighed the affliction that he suffered with the people of God and compared it with the reward that awaited him in heaven. He saw that the value of the eternal reward far outweighed the temporary affliction. He looked “at others with their lands and gold” and thought that Christ had promised him “His wealth untold.” He realized that “money cannot buy” his “reward in heaven” nor his “home on high.”

By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward (Hebrews 11:24-26).

Would you trade your worst problems for your greatest blessings? Would you give up the promise of eternal life for the eradication of your temporary grief or pain? Would you exchange your life itself for the luxury of not having a flat tire? Would you give up the love of your family in exchange for a day without disrespect or unkindness from others?

Would you trade (fill in the blank with any of your greatest blessings) ____________________________________ for the removal of (fill in the blank with any of your worst problems) ____________________________? No, you would not. Your blessings always outweigh your problems.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18).

— Via The Auburn Beacon, Volume 1, Issue 6, December 6, 2009

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-3-

Psalm 119:73-80

Yodh

⁷³Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding to learn Your commandments.

⁷⁴May those who fear You see me and rejoice, for I have hoped in Your word.

⁷⁵I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

⁷⁶May Your loving devotion comfort me, I pray, according to Your promise to Your servant.

⁷⁷May Your compassion come to me, that I may live, for Your law is my delight.

⁷⁸May the arrogant be put to shame for subverting me with a lie; I will meditate on Your precepts.

⁷⁹May those who fear You turn to me, those who know Your testimonies.

⁸⁰May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, that I may not be put to shame.

— Berean Standard Bible

______________

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).
——————–

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

August 23, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) “Two Men” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)
2) “Alas, My Brother” (Bobby K. Thompson)

——————–

-1-

“Two Men”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

Two men who stand out in the book of III John are Diotrephes and Demetrius. In context, John told Gaius that he had tried to write to the church, but “Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not” (v. 9). Diotrephes had his self-interest in mind in the congregation. He wanted what belongs to Christ – preeminence (Matt. 28:18; Col. 1:15-18)! In contrast, it seems Demetrius was satisfied with simply serving the Lord according to the Scriptures. These two men stood as polar opposites in this book. As we read III John and make personal applications, consider how these examples challenge us to reflect on our own character and conduct in the church today.

As we read III John 9-12, we see that Diotrephes was overcome with pride (v. 9). He refused John as well as others who were teaching the truth. I.e., those who would challenge his self-imposed authority! In contrast, Demetrius had a “good report” with men and a “good report” of the truth (v. 12)! How can John say this? It speaks to Demetrius’ reputation and character. Demetrius had a reputation and character that pleased God and blessed his fellow man, and Diotrephes did not have this. When we take time to look into God’s spiritual mirror (Jas. 1:25; II Cor. 13:5), what do we see reflected – are we more like Demetrius or Diotrephes? May this reflection motivate us to pursue spiritual growth and repentance.

There is also a significant contrast between these men’s words and deeds! No doubt, both would claim to love God. Yet, Diotrephes’ deeds were evidence of the opposite of love! Look at what he did. He would not receive the sound brethren; he stood opposed to those who would receive them, and spoke malicious words about them (III Jn. 10). In response, John said: “I will remember his deeds” (III Jn. 10)! Conversely, Demetrius had a “good report” (III Jn. 12). Obviously, he was doing what he was supposed to!

Based on these facts, don’t you imagine these men were faithful to attend when the church assembled? Probably so! I would conjecture that these men might have preached some, or taught a Bible class. Maybe they led songs or a prayer, or served at the Lord’s Table. The question is why were they assembled? Based on what John said to Gaius, I believe one attended to keep his power structure intact. The other was assembling with the saints to worship God in spirit and in truth (Jn. 4:24). Friend, why do you attend the worship services of the saints (Heb. 10:25)?

When we read about Diotrephes, it is evident that he is a manipulator. He didn’t receive the apostles or others who were teaching the truth (v. 9). He used malicious words against these men and others (v. 10). At the same time, there must have been folks who believed and followed him, or he wouldn’t be able to continue in his actions. In contrast, Demetrius was an edifier (“good report of all men”). He followed the words of the apostle Paul (Eph. 4:29). Like Demetrius, let us control our tongues and not speak malicious words concerning others. Let us speak godly words that will be useful in edifying folks. Let us not lie to one another, but speak the truth to each other (Eph. 4:25, 29). Let us speak words in kindness and love for each other, and especially have our speech “alway with grace, seasoned with salt” to know how to answer every man, and win them to the Lord (Col. 4:6).

However, let us not get the idea that, since Diotrephes and Demetrius were contrasted, this means that a local church can harbor such arrogance and error as Diotrephes possessed without confrontation, or expectation of repentance. Remember John said, “if I come…” what will happen (v. 10). If he had the chance to visit, he would “bring to remembrance his deeds …” (v. 10). John also told Gaius not to follow or imitate what is evil, but follow what is good (vv. 10-11). Does this sound like one who was coming to say, “I’m ok, and you’re ok, let’s try to get along”? “Preeminent” or not, powerful or not, one who is in sin needs to be challenged and convicted of his sin that he might repent and “bring forth fruit unto God” (Rom. 7:4). At the same time, men like Gaius and Demetrius would be encouraged and strengthened (vv. 13-14). John was coming to speak to him face to face. Manipulators have no place in the Lord’s church.

Dear friends, when we look into God’s mirror, what do we see? Which one are we? Now is the time to examine ourselves and repent before it is too late!

— via The Ancient Landmark, 8/13/2026

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-2-

“Alas, My Brother”

Bobby K. Thompson

1 Kings 13 presents a very melancholy story. It is always infinitely sad to see those who were once faithful in the service of God fall. It is pathetic to behold those who were once “meet for the master’s use” tripped up in the end through temptation, and become prey to him who walks about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. This chapter of 1 Kings deals with the exploits of a servant of God who began well, preached faithfully for a period, but had a tragic end. We say it happened to others but it can never be my lot. Alas, my brother! You had best take heed. “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Cor. 10:12). There are seven things about this unfortunate man that we desire to point out:

1. He was a true believer. He is called “A man of God” (v. 1). He was not a mere “man of the world” whose portion is in this life, but one who has personal dealings with God, and who, in heart and life, belonged to him. He was not a mere professor or time-server, but a true servant of God.

2. He was a man with a message. He came “by the word of the Lord unto Bethel” (v. 1). He had a ministry committed to him by God, a message of warning and condemnation. No evangelist was ever more surely called of God than this man. The narration abounds with evidence that he was sent by God.

3. He was a man of courage. “And he cried against the altar in the Word of the Lord” (v. 2). He testified with a loud voice against this altar built by Jeroboam as a rival of Jehovah’s, even while the king “stood by.” The Word of God evidently burned in his bones and he could not but speak the things which he had heard from him. It was similar with Peter and John in Acts 4:20.

4. He was a man with power. God bore witness to his testimony by signs and wonders in the stiffening of the king’s arm and hand which was stretched out to “lay hold on him” and also in the “rending of the altar” and the spilling of ashes. The servant of God had every reason to believe that God was with him and what he was doing was God approved. He knew such power was not from himself.

5. He was a man of self-denial. After prayer for the restoration of the king’s hand, the king asked him, “Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward,” but he would not (vv. 6-9). The Lord had charged him not to do so! He was no hireling in the work of the Lord. He knew what it was to deny himself and be true to God’s directions in saying “No” to the king. Surely such a mighty man as this will never fall! But, alas!

6. He believed a lie and fell through deception. The old prophet pretended that an angel had spoken to him, saying, “Bring him back with thee into thine house, that he may eat bread and drink water. But he lied unto him” (v. 18). He turned aside from the revealed will of God to obey the invention of man. “So he went back with him, and did eat bread in his house, and drank water.” The temptation was doubtlessly great, but his was perfectly clear. He knew God’s will. In obeying the false prophet he was contradicting the will of God that he had previously been so faithful in its execution. “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). He didn’t try the old prophet as he should have or else he just threw all conviction or proper reason to the wind and gave in to the stronger call to eat and drink with him. Regardless of the explanation, this man disobeyed God and it cost him his life. No more was he to carry the message of God. He had forfeited his life by believing and obeying a lie. Truly pathetic, but true!

7. He was mourned over by the one who deceived him. “He laid his carcass in his own grave; and they mourned over him, saying, Alas, my brother!” (v. 30). Yes, well may he mourn, after tempting the man of God into the net of destruction. Even being buried in the same grave will not atone for the sin of deception. How will he face him in the judgment whom he had lured from the will of God by substituting his own thoughts for God’s? How shall it fare with the false teachers of our day when in the presence of God they are face to face with the fact that they have led souls to disobey?

“Alas, my brother,” take heed who you hear and what you hear! It can happen to us. These things were written for our learning…

— via Articles from the Knollwood church Christ, August 2026

______________

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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

August 16, 2026 / 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).
——————–

Contents:

1) Responding to Our Enemies (R.J. Evans)
2) Better Things (Bryan Gibson)
3) Psalm 119:65-72 (Berean Standard Bible)

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-1-

Responding to Our Enemies

R.J. Evans

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matt. 5:11).

How do we handle a person who reviles us, persecutes us, and says things about us which are not true? The natural response is to retaliate and get even. But how are we to respond to our enemies and be pleasing unto God? Let us go to His Word for the answers.

1. Rejoice if we are being mistreated because we are faithfully serving the Lord. If we are suffering because of our evil deeds, then we should be ashamed. However, the Apostle Peter tells us— “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Pet. 3:15-16). Notice the next verse following our text: “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:12). Although some may seek to make our lives miserable here on earth, our reward in heaven will be great if we remain faithful while we are hurting for His sake.

2. Love them, do good to them, and pray for them. This is what Jesus was teaching in Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” Normally, we will have to do a lot of praying for ourselves, asking for strength, before we will be able to do this for our enemies. But we will reap many benefits if we can sincerely do what Jesus commands in this passage. Again, let us observe the inspired words of the Apostle Peter, as it relates to this kind of situation. “…not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing” (1 Pet. 3:9). Remember—this is the example Jesus left for us and we are to follow in His steps. “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was guile found in His mouth,’ who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Pet. 2:21-23).

3. Turn it over to God. When men crucified our Lord, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Lk. 23:34). In one short prayer, we find Jesus loving His enemies, blessing His enemies, and praying for His enemies. The Apostle Paul tells us to turn it over to God when he said: “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore if your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head: Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Rom. 12:19-21). This is basically what Christ was teaching in His “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew 5:38-48.

In a sense, we are being good to ourselves when we are good to our enemies. May the Lord help and be with us when we are meeting the challenge of correctly responding to our enemies.

— Via The Auburn Beacon

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-2-

Better Things

Bryan Gibson

We like to compare things—this team is better than that team; this restaurant is better than that one, etc. In some cases, we’re just expressing an opinion or a personal taste; we really don’t have enough information to be certain. But if God says one thing is better than another, there’s no room for argument. God does make statements like these, primarily in the books of Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes. These are extremely profitable to us, because they help us set our priorities; they help us to see what is truly important. Let’s take a look at some of them.

Many things are better than riches—the law of God (Psalms 119:72); knowledge, wisdom, and understanding (Proverbs 3:13-14; 8:10-11, 19; 16:16); a good name (Proverbs 22:1; Ecclesiastes 7:1); and virtues such as righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness (1 Timothy 6:10-11). Moses certainly understood this, because he chose the riches of God over the riches of Egypt (Hebrews 11:24-26).

The poor man, who has the above things, is better off than the rich man who does not (Psalms 37:16; Proverbs 15:16-17; 16:8, 19; 17:1; 28:6; Eccl. 4:6). Don’t envy the rich man too much, especially if he’s had to sacrifice these better things to acquire lesser things.

What you have now (materially speaking) is better than what you hope to have one day (Ecclesiastes 6:9). Sometimes we can’t enjoy what we have now for thinking about what we would like to have. Why keep postponing happiness?

It is better to trust in God than to trust in man (Psalms 118:8-9; 146:3-7). Lots of
folks discover this the hard way, after they’ve been led astray. Sadly, others won’t learn this lesson until it’s too late.

It is better not to make a promise, than to make a promise and not keep it (Ecclesiastes 5:2-5). Too many broken promises and there goes our good name. God is clear: don’t make promises you can’t keep.

A love that rebukes is better than a love that ignores faults (Proverbs 27:5; Ecclesiastes 7:5). Friends who love us enough to correct us—that’s what we need. Jesus said, “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten” (Revelation 3:19).

Ruling your spirit is better than ruling a city (Proverbs 16:32). We tend to glorify the physically strong; God does just the opposite. It takes more strength to conquer oneself than to conquer others (it actually takes HIS strength to conquer self).

It is better to go to the house of mourning (a funeral) than the house of feasting (a party), for it is in the house of mourning that we learn the most valuable lessons (Ecclesiastes 7:2-4). It’s hard to go there and not think about the brevity and uncertainty of life.

The end of a thing is better than its beginning—so be patient (Ecclesiastes 7:8). This certainly applies to childrearing. Sometimes we give up too too soon, when we don’t see any immediate effects of our teaching and discipline. Hebrews 12:11 should help us here: “Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” And of course it also applies to prayer—sometimes we have to “wait on the Lord” (Isaiah 40:27-31).

Two are better than one, so value your friends, your marriage companion, your family, your fellow-Christians (Ecclesiastes 4:7-12; Song of Solomon 8:7; Proverbs 17:17; 27:9; 31:10-12). Imagine life without the love and support of others. Not a pretty picture, is it?

— Via the Weekly Bulletin of the Prattville church of Christ, November 26, 2023

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Psalm 119:65-72

Teth

⁶⁵You are good to Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word.

⁶⁶Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in Your commandments.

⁶⁷Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I keep Your word.

⁶⁸You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.

⁶⁹Though the arrogant have smeared me with lies, I keep Your precepts with all my heart.

⁷⁰Their hearts are hard and callous, but I delight in Your law.

⁷¹It was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes.

⁷²The law from Your mouth is more precious to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

— Berean Standard Bible

______________

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Daniel Chapter One:
Setting the Stage