The Gospel Observer

February 2, 2025 / Tom Edwards

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).
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Contents:

1) Learning to Be Content (Bryan Gibson)
2) Praising Jesus — A First Century Hymn (Jon W. Quinn)
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Learning to Be Content

Bryan Gibson

This is Paul’s “thank you note” to the church at Philippi, written while imprisoned in Rome. Read it carefully, because what is taught here is what we all need to learn.

(10) “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. (11) Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: (12) I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. (13) I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (14) Nevertheless you have done well that you shared in my distress. (15) Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. (16) For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. (17) Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. (18) Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. (19) And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (20) Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:10-20).

Zero in on verses 11-12 for just a minute, especially the latter part of v. 11: “…for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Let’s use this passage and a few others to discover his keys to contentment.

He was thankful—for their care (v. 10), for sharing in his distress (v. 14), for the aid they sent him on previous occasions (vv. 15-16), for doing something “well-pleasing to God” (vv. 17-18), for the fact that both his and his brethren’s needs were supplied by God (v. 19). This is a big key to contentment, because it’s hard to be thankful and discontented at the same time. “Count your many blessings, name them one by one”—it doesn’t make hardships disappear, but it does make them seem a lot less significant.

He did what he earlier admonished these brethren to do—he looked out “for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4). He was too concerned about their welfare to spend much time thinking about his own (Philippians 1:27-28; 2:19-24; 2:25-28). Yes, he was thankful for the gift they sent him, but he was more thankful for the spirituality they demonstrated in sending the gift (vv. 17-18). We can learn to be content, too, but we’ll first have to learn to quit thinking about ourselves all the time. Get busy looking out for others, and we’ll soon forget (relatively speaking) our own woes.

Material things were not his top priority, so much so that he didn’t even like to “speak in regard to need” (v. 11). Look at v. 17 again: “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” It’s much easier to be content when the “one thing” that matters most is laying hold of eternal life (Philippians 3:12-14).

In regard to material things, he focused more on necessities than luxuries—“you sent aid once and again for my necessities” (v. 16); “God shall supply all your need” (v. 19). There’s nothing wrong with abounding, or being full (v. 18), but there is something wrong when this is expected, when having an abundance is taken for granted. Don’t forget what Jesus taught us to pray—“give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). Do that and it will actually increase our gratitude—especially when God chooses to bless us beyond what He has promised.

He trusted in God’s provisions—both spiritual and material. After talking about how he had learned contentment, he quickly deflected the credit—“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (v. 13). God provided for Paul’s needs, and will do the same for all His children. “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (v. 19).

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, January 30, 2025

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Praising Jesus – A First Century Hymn

Jon W. Quinn

In a letter written around 63 AD, Paul quotes what appears to be the words of a first century hymn. We do not know when the hymn itself was first written, but we can learn what early Christians were singing about from the lyrics Paul quotes. It was a song of praise unto Jesus, and went like this:

“He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated by the Spirit,
Beheld by angels,
Proclaimed among nations,
Believed upon in the world,
Taken up in glory” (1 Timothy 3:16).

“He who was revealed in the flesh” -– “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” (John 1:1, 14). When God the Son became flesh, we beheld the heart, mind and actions of God in a form we could comprehend. We also understand that the Son did not begin His existence at His conception, but has existed from all eternity. Jesus became flesh for our sakes. He had to take upon Himself a fleshly body so that He might die for our sins. We are forever indebted unto Him for His kindness and mercy!

“Was vindicated by the Spirit” — “When the Helper comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, that is, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, He will bear witness of Me” (John 15:26). To be vindicated means to be shown righteous or truthful. The Spirit bore witness of Christ in various ways during His personal ministry. He came upon Jesus in the form of a dove when Jesus was baptized and He empowered Jesus to do mighty works. Jesus’ claims concerning His identity were indeed vindicated by the Spirit.

“Beheld by angels” — “…these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven – things into which angels long to look” (1 Peter 1:12). The angels watched with great eagerness and wonder as our Lord became flesh and worked out for us redemption from sin. They were always ready to serve their Lord and ours.

“Proclaimed among nations” — “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). Jesus belongs to no particular race or nation. He did not come to exalt one nation over another but to save all men and women everywhere. Such had been prophesied (Isaiah 2:2-3). Sin knows no national boundaries so neither does Jesus.

“Believed upon in the world” — “When He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed – for our testimony to you was believed” (2 Thessalonians 1:10). Thessalonica was a city far removed from Jerusalem where just three short decades before the above was written Jesus had been crucified as a common criminal. It is a wonder that they ever heard of Him let alone became convinced to entrust their very souls to Him!

“Taken up in glory” — “And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight” (Acts 1:9). Jesus’ death was not the end of Christianity, it was the beginning. The angels’ pronouncement at the empty tomb rang through the world, “He is not here, He is risen!” Jesus’ resurrection and exaltation is our hope and peace. Those who believe Him will not be put to shame. Most certainly these are things to sing about, in the first century as well as the twenty-first!

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, January 2025

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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

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

4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday (all but the first): 7 p.m. Bible Classes
First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)

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

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

The Gospel Observer

January 26, 2025 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Fascinating Book of Daniel (Bryan Gibson)
2) Faith Is… (Doy Moyer)
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The Fascinating Book of Daniel

Bryan Gibson

Daniel certainly presents some challenges to our understanding, especially the latter six chapters, but consider just a few of the fascinating details provided in this book.

How about those four young Jewish men taken into Babylonian captivity, trained to serve in the court of an infidel king, the end game being to completely immerse them in the culture of the Chaldeans? Despite numerous temptations, these young men did not forget WHO they were and WHOSE they were—they did not forget the One whom they served. We will not defile ourselves (1:8); we will not bow before any other god (3:14-18); we will not stop praying to the one true God (6:10). Yes, they served well and they served respectfully, but they did not compromise their commitment to God.

Think about the unlikelihood of an unbeliever like Nebuchadnezzar offering praise to the one true and living God, and yet that’s exactly what he does in 2:47, and again in 4:34-35, 37. Later, when Daniel served under Darius the Mede, this unbeliever issued a kingdom-wide edict exalting God (6:25-27). How could they NOT say such things, when they had come face to face with the wisdom and power of God! No, these men did not turn from their idols—they were not converted, but think about the potential impact these words of praise had on others, how these words helped spread the knowledge of God. How great is our God, that He could use even unbelievers to lead others to Him.

The kingdoms of men, they aren’t built to last—Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome—Daniel foretells the rise and/or fall of all four kingdoms. Daniel foretells, though, the rise of another kingdom, one completely different than the kingdoms of men: established in the days of the Roman Empire, a kingdom built “without hands,” established without force, and yet so powerful no force could ever destroy it (2:44-45; 7:13-14). There’s no better place to be, no more secure place, than in the kingdom of God.

Daniel also foretells the rise of certain kings within these empires, kings who would persecute God’s people, kings who would stand in opposition to God and the establishment of His kingdom. Think God will stand for that? Not on your life! “Through his cunning he shall cause deceit to prosper…shall exalt himself in his heart…destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without human means” (8:25). “He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, shall persecute the saints of the Most High…but the court shall be seated, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and destroy it forever”(7:25-26).

Of all the persons described in the Book of Daniel, the One who stands above them all, the One with whom we’re most impressed, is “God Most High.” Four times we hear the words, “The Most High rules in the kingdoms of men” (4:17, 25, 32; 5:21), a point powerfully illustrated throughout this fascinating book. But He doesn’t just rule in the kingdoms of men, He rules in the lives of His servants, too! Just ask Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego—they can testify that God rules over all for the benefit and care of His people.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, October 3, 2024

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Faith Is…

Doy Moyer

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NASU).

The term used for assurance is also translated as substance or confidence, indicating that which provides the foundation for trust. The term for conviction is sometimes translated as evidence, indicating the proof or reality of something.

Such is the nature of faith. Faith stands under our hope, gives us the assurance and confidence that our hope is worthwhile. Faith is also our evidence of the reality of that which we cannot see. Paul said, “hope does not disappoint” (Rom 5:5), even though “hope that is seen is not hope” (Rom 8:24). Faith assures us that our faith is not in vain in the Lord (1 Cor. 15:58).

In truth, we don’t yet see that for which we hope (ultimately, heaven), but our faith assures us that the hope is real. In the context of this treatise to the Hebrews, this idea makes perfect sense. They were beginning to waver, wondering if it was worthwhile to stay in Christ. They were tempted to go back to their old ways, perhaps thinking that those ways were better somehow because the old ways weren’t so much accompanied by persecution. The writer has been making the case all along that they needed to remain faithful, for what we have in Christ is far superior to anything they could go back to or could ever have again. Their hope in Christ was waning because their faith was uncertain. That direct connection between faith and hope is vital to understanding our relationship to Christ. If our hope isn’t what it ought to be, we need to check our faith.

How can we be sure that what we hope for will come to fruition? Again, this is where faith steps in. Many might object that faith itself is without proof. Faith is often seen by the unbelieving world as blind, gullible, and irrational. How can faith be the assurance of anything, if faith itself is under suspicion? While this issue is not directly the topic of Hebrews, it is something that bothers people from time to time, and that in itself can shake a person’s hope.

Such views of faith are missing the point about the nature of faith. There is nothing in the Bible to suggest that faith is some unreasonably blind and gullible concept, believing things in spite of or contrary to evidence. To borrow a phrase, may it never be! Faith is a measured step we take based upon the evidence provided by God Himself. This evidence comes in many forms, including creation (Psalm 19) and the historical testimony to Jesus Christ, the resurrection evidence being the most significant (John 20:29-31; 1 Cor. 15:1-4). When Abraham followed God, he did it by faith even when he didn’t know exactly where he was going; nevertheless he still had good reason to trust that God knew what He was doing.

The Hebrews had plenty of reason to put their faith in God. Even though they had not yet witnessed the final outcome of their faith, they could trust that their allegiance to Jesus would not go unrewarded. For them, the Hebrew Scriptures should have been plenty of proof that God is faithful and would carry out His promises. Then, if those same Scriptures were fulfilled in Jesus Christ, then how could they abandon Christ to go back to something inferior? The evidence was available to them; they just needed to follow that path.

The 11th chapter of Hebrews is filled with examples of what faith can do. The patriarchs “died in faith,” not having seen the fulfillment of all the promises. Even so, they were convicted that God is and that God rewards those who diligently seek Him (vs. 6). These men “confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth,” making it clear that they were “seeking a country of their own.” This country they were seeking was a heavenly one, with a heavenly city prepared for them by God (vv. 13-16). If they could have such faith before the coming of Jesus, why would it be such a stretch for us to have such faith after the coming of Jesus? We have the evidence of Jesus Himself! Dare we exercise less faith than they, who could only hope for the fulfillment of that seed promise in Christ?

Let’s not fall into the trap of thinking that all our hope is tied up in this earth. We, too, are seeking a country not of this world. With our faith securely in place, our hope becomes that much more real. For the patriarchs, God was not ashamed to be called their God. Will He be ashamed of us? Or will we, as with those of old, find approval through our faith (vs. 39)?

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:3).

— Via Bulletin Articles from the Vestavia church of Christ, February 14, 2016

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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

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

4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

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

January 19, 2025 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Face to Face with Christ My Savior (Dan King)
2) Pressing Toward the Goal in the New Year (Jesse A. Flowers)
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Face to Face with Christ My Savior

Dan King

One of the most lovely statements in all of Holy Scripture is found in Philippians 1:23, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better…” Paul knew what he faced. Roman justice was swift and sure. And it was pitiless. A man who was a Roman citizen like himself and on trial for his life in a capital case, if the Imperial courts ultimately decided so, would be swiftly beheaded. He would have the opportunity to appeal his conviction, of course, but appealing it would not be likely to succeed. If the Roman authorities wanted you dead, then dead you would soon be.

And yet, in all of his treatment of this question in his writings, he never seemed bitter or aggravated that God had seen fit to allow these painful events to unfold around him, spiriting him off to the place where he now found himself, in jeopardy for his life, facing a possible death sentence. The reason this was so was evidently on account of his general view of death. He saw death differently than most people see it. It was not a frightening possibility, but a welcome friend. In fact, he expressed it as a “desire” of his. He saw himself not as entering a dark and foreboding future but rather as entering into eternal light. It meant being with Christ.

Whatever else it might mean, for a man whose life had been centered on pressing forward the cause of Jesus Christ in this world whenever and wherever he could, it spelt departing from this world of sin and sorrow in order to be in the presence of the Savior. Rest and peace with God and Christ was not something to be dreaded, but a welcomed prospect. And so, the power of death and its perennial sting were blunted in the realization that death would take him to his friend, for whom he had lived and now might be forced to die: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (1:21).

The story is told of a missionary couple, R. W. Porteous and his wife, who in the spring of 1931 were taken as prisoners by Communist bandits in China. They were marched up to a solitary hill by the officer in charge. “This is the place,” the man said commandingly. Whereupon the couple was forced to kneel in front of the little group of soldiers for their execution. The executioner drew a long blade from its sheath and raised it menacingly over their necks, and certain death appeared imminent for the courageous couple. However, instead of cringing and begging for mercy, they began to sing a hymn:

“Face to face with Christ my Savior, Face to face — what will it be? When with rapture I behold him, Jesus Christ who died for me. Face to face I shall behold him, Far beyond the starry sky; Face to face in all his glory, I shall see him by and by.”

When the officer heard the words of the hymn, he could not give the order to kill them. The little band of soldiers marched off and left them alone. Subsequently, they returned to their homeland in England, and told others the story of the perfect peace which they had enjoyed in the face of certain death, and how a Christian hymn had touched the heart of a murderous villain.

It is indeed wonderful how this thought of “departing to be with Christ” is a truth which is able to transform the most ugly and frightening of all prospects into a happy and even joyous reality. The faithful Christian does not need to fear death! Recently my wife and I visited with a dear friend and fellow disciple of Christ who had been told that he had but a few short days left before his departure from this life. As I left that day, I knew that I would never see him again in this world, so I became tearful and had to leave the room so as not to break down in his presence. He told my wife afterward to assure me that he was ready to go and that he was not afraid to die. A few days later he was gone. Tears fill my eyes as I write these words, for I miss my friend. But I have every confidence that he is with the Lord. When you live for Christ, death is a gain, not a loss. I also know that I will see him again, for my own clock is ticking down to my departure, and when I think of all the dear loved ones and friends in Christ who await me on the other side, I cannot but smile through the tears. What a glorious and joyous day that will be. God help us ever to live in such a way as to possess a like confidence to that which Paul had when he wrote that “to be with Christ is far better.”

— via Articles from the Locust Street church of Christ, October 11, 2015

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Pressing Toward the Goal in the New Year

Jesse A. Flowers

“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).

The beginning of a New Year is always a good time to make resolutions and set goals.

Many will make a goal of losing weight, but more importantly “let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).

Others will make a resolution to exercise more, but let’s be sure to exercise ourselves toward godliness (1 Timothy 4:7). “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come” (1 Timothy 4:8).

Many will decide to eat healthier in the new year, but don’t forget to feed daily upon the bread of life (John 6:35; Matthew 4:4; Psalm 1:2). Let us “hunger and thirst for righteousness” that we may be filled (Matthew 5:6).

And of course, it is vitally important that we never lose sight of the most important goal of all – Heaven. Let each one of us resolve that every day the Lord grants us that we will press toward that eternal goal!

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, January 2025
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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

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

4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

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

January 12, 2025 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Working Together (Doy Moyer)
2) Guilt is a Good Thing (Bryan Gibson)

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Working Together

Doy Moyer

The people of God are characterized by work. This is not a drudgery but a blessing demonstrating God’s fellowship with His people and His people with one another. Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), yet God’s grace teaches us to “renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” as we await the coming of Jesus (Titus 2:11-14). This means that we are to be “zealous for good works” because “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). We are to be people who act, not simply hear (James 1:22).

One of the beautiful aspects of being God’s people is that we are not alone. We are a body of various members who function in unity with each other. We share a special relationship, a fellowship as brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the reasons Paul thanked God for the Philippian Christians is that they had a “partnership [fellowship] in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5). They partook of the grace of God together, and this created a special bond for them.

When Paul writes about his coworkers in the gospel, he does so with obvious and deep affection. One of his requests of the Philippian church was that they help certain women (Euodia and Syntyche) “who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3). He dedicates a section of Romans to recognizing those with whom he had worked and who had been encouraging to him. He wrote of Phoebe as a servant who had been his patron. She was to be welcomed in the Lord and helped however needed (Romans 16:1-2). He wrote of many others with whom he labored, who had risked their lives for each other and worked hard on behalf of churches for the Lord. Read Romans 16. It is encouraging to see such love expressed, and it gives us something to imitate in our work together. In our efforts to be disciples like first-century Christians, this kind of fellowship should be sought after and followed.

God’s people should still be characterized by the affection and love seen in Paul’s notes about his coworkers. Unfortunately, there have always been detractors. People like “Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first,” will hurt the cause (III John 9). The Galatians were warned about biting, devouring, and consuming one another (Galatians 5:15). Through love, we are to serve one another (Galatians 5:13), but it is easy to drop our guard and become selfish. This ruins relationships and chokes out the beautiful fellowship of God’s people. This is one reason those who cause divisions are to be marked and avoided, “For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites…” (Romans 16:17-18).

The work of God’s people together needs to be bound in love and unity. Jesus instructed His disciples to “love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” The importance of this follows: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Love, in turn, will result in unity. To stand firm in one spirit and strive together for the faith of the gospel requires “being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Unity requires not only love but humility, as there is nothing to be done through selfish ambition or conceit, “but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). Jesus is the supreme example of this mindset, who demonstrated love in the greatest of ways and acted in humility on our behalf by going to the cross (Philippians 2:5-7). “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5).

Work, love, unity, humility, and fellowship all go together. There should not be one without the other. These all help us form a beautiful bond in the Lord as we seek to “attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). Note further how Paul makes these connections: “speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love” (Ephesians 4:15-16). A body functions well when the members act with love, unity, and humility.

May God help us to work together in a way that glorifies Him!

— Via Articles from the La Vista church of Christ, January 10, 2025

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Guilt is a Good Thing

Bryan Gibson

Seems like maybe we’ve forgotten that. “I know what I did was wrong, but…(insert your favorite excuse).” We don’t like to feel guilty, and we don’t want anyone else to feel that way, either. We’re reluctant to point out their sin, or perhaps we make excuses for them, too.

It’s the way of society today, but it’s not the Lord’s way. He wants us to feel guilty when we’ve done wrong, assume responsibility for our actions, and refuse to blame anyone or anything else. A few Biblical examples will help illustrate the Lord’s approach. Nathan, the prophet, was not about to let King David off the hook—“YOU are the man…why have YOU despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight?” (2 Samuel 12:7, 9). Peter, the apostle, did likewise to his audience in Acts 2—“YOU have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death” (v. 23)—speaking, of course, about what they had done to Jesus. And finally, Jesus said this to Saul when He appeared to him on the road to Damascus: “I am Jesus, whom YOU are persecuting” (Acts 9:5). Saul was guilty, and the Lord wanted him to know it. Just a few of the many examples found throughout the Bible.

Why is it so important to the Lord for us to feel the burden of guilt? Using the Scriptures, we can find at least three reasons.

First, only then will we see the need to repent, to change our ways. The recognition of guilt before God, or “godly sorrow” is a good thing, because it “produces repentance leading to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10). When we’re ashamed of what we’ve done, we don’t want to do it anymore.

Secondly, it’s only when we feel the burden of guilt that we seek forgiveness (Luke 5:31-32). That’s exactly what happened in the examples cited above—they felt the burden of guilt and sought forgiveness from the Lord. David certainly felt this immense burden: “There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me” (Psalms 38:3-4). It’s this burden of guilt that makes us say, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalms 51:2).

And the third reason? It’s when we feel guilt the strongest we appreciate forgiveness the most. The sinful woman in Luke 7 loved Jesus “much,” because only He could forgive her “many sins” (Luke 7:36-50). Paul characterized himself as the “chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15), so it’s little wonder that when he was forgiven, he “labored more abundantly than they all.” He wanted to do all he could for the Lord, because he was so thankful for His grace (1 Corinthians 15:9-10).

So you see, guilt IS a good thing—(1) if it makes us repent, (2) if it drives us to seek forgiveness, and (3) if it deepens our appreciation for the grace of God.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, November 7, 2024

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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

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

4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

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

January 5, 2025 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

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

David Cambridge and ChatGPT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sword Tips #66

Joe R. Price

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

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

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

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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

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

4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

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

December 29, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

Ken Weliever

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

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

“He’s sittin’ on a cocklebur.”

“Why doesn’t he get off it?”

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

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

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

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

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

#1 The guilt of sin

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

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

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

#2 The hostility of his enemies

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

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

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

#3 The wound of contempt

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

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

#1 He “waited patiently for the Lord.”

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

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

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

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

#2 David praised God.

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

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

#3 David prayed (vs. 11-17)

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

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

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

– Via The Preachers Word, March 8, 2023

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Your Life is Like Grass

David McPherson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Matthew 9:12-13

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

— NASB

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

December 22, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

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If God Be For Us

Jon W. Quinn

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sin Must Not Be Supported

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

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

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

We Can Do What Is Right Without Human Support or Approval

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

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

Our Need For Divine Support

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

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

(Based on article by Warren Berkley)

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

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Giving Thanks to the Lord

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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

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

4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

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

December 15, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

Bryan Gibson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Are You a Witness for the Lord?

Connie W. Adams

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

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

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

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

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

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

We Are Not the Witnesses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Using Our Talents Wisely

Richard Thetford

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

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

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

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Good Medicine

Jerry Fite

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Faith Is Reasonable

Doy Moyer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sword Tips #32

Joe R. Price

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

December 8, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

David Gibson

What Jesus claimed for Himself

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

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

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

What Others Said of Him

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

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

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

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

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

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Philippians 2:9-11

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

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The Passion of Christ

Mike Willis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Changed Man: The Story of King Manasseh

Bryan Gibson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Come Hungry

Boyd King

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Via Focus Online, December 9, 2020

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

Sword Tips #26

Joe R. Price

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

December 1, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Peace with God (Allen Dvorak)

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Peace with God

Allen Dvorak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

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

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

4) Confess faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Psalm 40

#1 The guilt of sin

#2 The hostility of his enemies

#3 The wound of contempt

#1 He “waited patiently for the Lord.”

#2 David praised God.

#3 David prayed (vs. 11-17)

Your Life is Like Grass

Matthew 9:12-13

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If God Be For Us

Sin Must Not Be Supported

We Can Do What Is Right Without Human Support or Approval

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We Are Not the Witnesses

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Faith Is Reasonable

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What Others Said of Him

Philippians 2:9-11

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