The Gospel Observer

December 8, 2024 / 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) 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 f or 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 either, 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gospel Observer

December 1, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Lessons on Providence from the Case of Simon Peter (Doug Roush)
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Lessons on Providence from the Case of Simon Peter

Doug Roush

The Scriptures contain the promise of God providing for the needs of mankind, and especially the needs of the faithful.

The subject of God’s providence is an important part of God’s revelation to mankind. That aspect of God’s providence is discussed in other articles included in this special issue. The assurance of God’s providence increases when we observe incidents of His providence in the lives of the faithful that are recorded in the Scriptures. The purpose of this article is to explore the incidents of God’s providence in the life of Simon Peter.

Jesus taught, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled” (Matt. 5:6), and, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matt. 7:7-8). Notice how this promise of providence was carried out in the life of Simon Peter: “One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, ‘You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas’ (which is translated, A Stone)” (John 1:40-42). Notice, John said, “We have found the Messiah!” This infers that John, the other one who was with him, and Peter were “seeking” the Messiah. John (and the other one who was with him) found Jesus through their association with John the Baptist. Peter was introduced to Jesus through his brother, Andrew. Every person who genuinely “hungers and thirsts for righteousness” can point to the means by which he was introduced to the Word of Truth and the relationship with God that developed from it (cf. Rom. 10:14; John 14:15, 21, 23).

In addition to providing for our spiritual necessities, Jesus also taught that God would provide for the physical necessities of those who prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness (cf. Matt. 6:25-33). There are at least five incidents of physical providence in the life of Simon Peter recorded in the Gospels. Consider the following:

The Great Catch – Luke 5:1-11. Sometime after Peter had met Jesus, Jesus was teaching on the same shoreline on which Peter was cleaning his fishing nets. Jesus requested to use one of Peter’s boats to teach from because the people were crowding around him so much that it was difficult to speak so that all could hear. After teaching, Jesus instructed Peter to launch out and to let down his nets for a catch. Fishing was Peter’s livelihood. He had fished all night and had caught nothing. Reasoning from his experience, Peter thought it was pointless to attempt making a catch. Nevertheless, he complied with the instructions of Jesus and experienced an astonishing catch. While we often consider this catch to be a miracle, it is possible that it was a matter of “being in the right place at the right time.” Whether Jesus caused the fish to be there, or He knew the fish had naturally moved to this location, the point is that complying with the instructions of Jesus provided this unprecedented catch. Peter’s business was fishing. The income from the sale of this catch would provide for the necessities of Peter’s family for quite a while. If he would continue to follow the instructions of Jesus, Peter’s life would dramatically change. Jesus then told Peter, James, and John to follow Him and He would make them “fishers of men.”

The Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-law – Mark 1:29-31. Not long after Jesus had invited Peter, James, and John to follow Him, He entered the house of Peter. There, Peter’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever. Immediately, those in the house told Jesus about her, and He healed her. In this case a miracle was enacted to provide for her return to health. Today, God can use the means of medicine and the healing mechanisms He has designed in the human body to provide healing (cf. James 5:14-15).

Physical Provisions for Those Who Were Sent by Jesus – Matt. 10, Mark 6:7, Luke 10:1-7; 22:35. When Jesus sent the twelve apostles, and later the seventy disciples, out to preach, included in His instructions to them was that they were not to take with them any food, money, or extra provisions. Later, He asked them, “When I sent you without money bag, knapsack, and sandals, did you lack anything?” So they said, “Nothing” (Luke 22:35). God had provided for them, just as He had promised (Matt. 6:33). The promise found in Matthew 6:33 is for everyone who will prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Provision for the Capernaum Temple Tax – Matt. 17:24-27. To avoid offending the officials, Jesus provided for the payment of the tax without taking money from the benevolent treasury they carried with them (cf. John 12:6). Peter was instructed to “go to the sea, cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a shekel. Take and give it to them for me and yourself.” That a person might catch a fish with a shekel in its mouth may not be miraculous (fish are known to eat shiny things that fall through the water, as they may appear to be a dying bait-fish), but the particular instructions given to Peter by Jesus indicate that more than mere chance was in play here. This may, or may not, have been a miracle, but it was certainly an incident of God’s providence.

The “Breakfast Catch” – John 21:1-6. Some time after the resurrection of Jesus, Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, James, John, and two other disciples went fishing one night. Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore and called out to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” When they answered, “No,” Jesus told them to “cast your net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They did so, and the catch was so great that they could not lift it into the boat, but had to drag it on to the shore. Again, this may or may not have been a miracle. (Fish are known to form into tight schools from time to time. The men were probably right-handed and therefore would be inclined to throw the net from the bow to the left side of the boat.) What is certain is that Jesus knew where the fish were; whether they were naturally there, or He supernaturally caused them to be there. Acting upon His knowledge, provided a great catch. Similarly, when we act upon the knowledge God has revealed in His word, we are provided the answers to life’s most important and profound questions. God has not left us to grope in the darkness of intuition, acting on what may feel or seem right to us, but has, in His word, revealed to us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3).

On the same occasion (John 21:15-17), Jesus provided Peter with the opportunity to reconfirm his love for Him. Previously, on the night of the betrayal of Jesus, Peter had three times denied that he knew Jesus. On this occasion, three times Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love me?” Each time Peter answered in the affirmative, possibly with more conviction than he ever had previously.

The length of this article is not sufficient to include the incidences of providence in the life of Peter as they are recorded in the book of Acts. However, to my knowledge, all of the occasions of providence in the life of Peter that are recorded in the book of Acts are provided through the work of the Holy Spirit and miracles. The apostles were promised by Jesus that they would be led into all truth through the work of the Holy Spirit, and indeed they were. In providing them with “all truth” through the Holy Spirit, we are provided with “all truth.” Jesus instructed the apostles to teach the disciples to “observe all things… And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Peter and the apostles were confident of Christ’s presence and providence as they continued in His word. We can be confident of the same. We do not experience it through miracles, but the apostles did not always experience God’s providence through miracles either. Every time we see a prayer answered, or one of God’s promises kept, through the eye of faith we see the hand of God at work in our lives, providing those things we have need of to live to the praise of His glory.

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume 58, Number 3, March 2014

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume58/2014_03_Mar_Truth_Magazine.pdf

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 24, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) God is a Prayer-Hearing God (Mike Willis)
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God is a Prayer-Hearing God

Mike Willis

Prayer is “an earnest entreaty addressed to God” (Webster). In order to pray, man must have certain concepts about His God. The recent surveys which I have read about the prayer life of Christians and the personal contact which I have had with Christians lead me to believe that Christians are not spending very much time in prayer.

I am convinced that some of this is caused by an erosion of our faith in God. Have we over-reacted to Pentecostalism’s teaching that God is presently working miracles to such an extent that we are convinced that asking God to heal a sick man is useless at best, and at worst an ignorant disregard of His expressed statements that miracles have ceased? We pray for the doctors and nurses who are attending the sick, but rarely do we ask the Lord to heal someone among us who is sick.

We may be approaching the deistic concept of God. Deists incorrectly say that God’s relationship to the universe can be compared to a man who wound up a clock and set it on a shelf to run down. Have we a deistic concept of God? Do we imagine Him so far removed from the day-to-day operation of the universe that He will not intervene in the affairs of man? Do we conceive of Him as being willing to change His planned course of action as a result of our prayers?

In order for man to pray effectively, his concept of God must be such that he believes that praying makes a difference. If man reaches the conclusion that prayer will do no good, that he prays out of duty but with a sense of futility, he will not pray in faith. Because of these misconceptions about God’s reaction to man’s prayers, let us explore these attributes of God which make prayer reasonable.

The Prayer-Hearing God

David addressed God as follows: “O thou that hearest prayer” (Psa. 65:2). Even as Jehovah is described as the Almighty (Gen. 17:1-2), the God who provides (Gen. 22:14), the God who sees, and other names, He is also known as the God who hears prayer. The Lord is immutable; the psalmist wrote, “. . thou art the same” (Psa. 102:27). Even as God has not changed in other aspects of His character, He is also unchanged in respect to hearing prayer.

The belief that God does hear prayer demands the following concepts to be accepted:

1. That God exists. There is no use to pray if there is no God. Prayer is not soliloquy — man talking to himself. Prayer is man addressing God. If there is no God, there is no reason for man to pray. Some men do not pray because they have become atheists and agnostics. Before a man prays, he must believe that God is and that He is the rewarder of them who diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

2. That God hears. Not only does man believe that God exists, he also must believe that God can and will hear prayer. The concept that God will hear my prayer demonstrates man’s faith in God’s omniscience. Millions of people from various places on this globe are lifting their voices to God in prayer. He hears every individual’s prayer. My concept of deity must be one that believes in a personal God who hears man’s prayers. An impersonal “force” or power does not respond to prayer.

3. That God cares. To believe that God will answer my prayer, I must believe that God cares for me. Jesus taught, “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows” (Lk. 12:6-7). “. . . for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things” (Matt. 7:32). The Lord in heaven is aware of you and your needs; “for he careth for you” (1 Pet. 5:7). Why would I cast my petitions on God unless I was convinced that He cares for me?

Frank E. Graeff (1860-1919), Methodist preacher, wrote “Does Jesus Care?” while experiencing severe despondency, doubt and physical agony. The words of this song reassure us that Jesus does care for us, a thought so essential for one to be habitual in prayer.

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press,
And the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades
Into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong,
When for my deep grief
There is no relief
Tho’ my tears flow all the night long?

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodby”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches
Till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

O yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary,
The long night dreary,
I know my Savior cares.

4. That God is able. For me to pray to God, I must believe that He is able to do s6mething to relieve my need. This implies that God is omnipotent, the Almighty. Paul assures us that God is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 4:20). To take my petitions to one who has no ability to answer my needs is useless. In that case, about all one can do is to have sympathy and pity. My friends can extend sympathy and pity. However, God is able to act to change my conditions and situation.

5. That God will act. For me to pray, I must believe that my prayer will have an impact on God, motivating Him to act in my behalf. Jesus said,

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him (Matt. 7:7-11).

In response to Israel’s cry because of the oppression in Egypt, God raised up Moses to deliver His people (Ex. 3:9). In response to Elijah’s prayer, the Lord withheld rain from Israel for three and one-half years; in response to another one of his prayers, he sent rain to Israel (Jas. 5:18). In response to Hezekiah’s prayer, God added fifteen years to his life (2 Kgs. 20). In response to the church’s prayer, Peter was released from Herod’s prison (Acts 12). God heard these prayers, cared about the plight of the people, and acted to relieve their suffering. I must believe the same God cares in the same way about me and will act in response to my prayers. If this is not true, why pray?

6. That God has infinite wisdom. I come to God in prayer, like Jesus who said, “Not my will but thine be done.” I recognize that I do not always ask what I need. The God to whom I pray will exercise the wisdom to decide how to answer my prayers, not always giving me what I ask, but always giving me what I need.

This was scribbled almost a century ago by an anonymous soldier of the Confederacy:

I asked for help, that I might do greater things. I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked God for strength that I might achieve. I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. I was given life, that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I asked for — but everything I hoped for.

Despite myself, my prayers were answered. I am among all men, most richly blessed.

Conclusion

When Jesus gave the parable of the unjust judge (Lk. 18:1-4), He was teaching us that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Lk. 18:1). When He concluded the parable, He said, “Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Lk. 18:8). Men will not pray unless they have faith.

My brethren, if we are not praying, we lack faith. We need to go back to our fundamental concepts of God and reaffirm our commitment to them. Let us not be so subtly influenced by the infidelity around us that we reach the conclusion that prayer does no good and quit praying.

Having faith in God, let us join together in offering our petitions to him in prayer. “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 18:19). “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (Jas. 5:16). Do you believe these statements? If so, should we be spending more time in prayer and less time worrying?

— Via Guardian of Truth XXIX: 15, pp. 450, 470, August 1, 1985

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume29/GOT029205.html

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 17, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

Bill Moseley

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

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

“be thou strong”

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

“keep the charge”

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

“walk in his ways”

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

“keep his statutes …”

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

“that thou mayest prosper”

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

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

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Cast Your Burden on the Lord

Richie Thetford

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sword Tips #22

Joe R. Price

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

November 10, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

Mark Mayberry

Introduction

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

Beware of False Prophets

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

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

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

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

Who Come in Sheep’s Clothing

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

But Inwardly Are Ravenous Wolves

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

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

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

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

You Shall Know Them by Their Fruit

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

Conclusion

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

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

— Via Truth Magazine, January 2014

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Gospel Observer

November 3, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

Wayne S. Walker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What I Learned from Reading Psalms

Bryan Gibson

On the Subject of Prayer

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

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

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

About the Burden of Sin and the Blessing of Forgiveness

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

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

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

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

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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

October 27, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Jesus, Our Mediator and Intercessor (Doy Moyer)
2) Our Habitable Earth (Jerry Fite)
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Jesus, Our Mediator and Intercessor

Doy Moyer

When we consider what Jesus does for us as His people, two terms are used to help us understand why it is so important to trust Him. Scripture teaches that Jesus is both our Mediator and our Intercessor. Let’s consider these terms.

Jesus Is Our Mediator

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time” (I Timothy 2:5-6).

Paul said that God desires all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth (I Timothy 2:4). The plan for making this salvation possible entailed one mediator who made a sufficient sacrifice. As there is one God, there is one Mediator who is capable of offering Himself as a ransom. A mediator is a go-between who can sufficiently represent both sides in a dispute and thereby bring about reconciliation.

Why do we need a Mediator? Because of sin, we were separated from God, acting as His enemy and creating a breach in the fellowship that God initially put into place (cf. Isaiah 59:1-2). Jesus, by becoming a man, was able to provide the sacrifice suitable for reconciling God with humanity. He is God, but He became man. He knows both sides of the breach, even though He never sinned.

The point here is that the only path to the salvation God offers is through Jesus Christ and the ransom He paid to make this happen. “No one comes to the Father except through Me,” said Jesus (John 14:6). He is our “negotiator” and bridge between us and God. Paul also wrote, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10). Because Jesus is our Mediator, we need not remain separated from God. “More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:11).

When we plead with others to be reconciled with God, we can only do so on the basis of what Jesus Christ did by His death and resurrection. As Paul wrote concerning their role as ambassadors for Christ, “All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (II Corinthians 5:18-20).

Because Jesus is both God and man, He is uniquely qualified to carry out this vital role of Mediator.

Jesus Is Our Intercessor

“Consequently, 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).

In discussing the love of God, Paul also wrote, “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).

Jesus, then, is not only our Mediator but also our Intercessor. This is tied to Jesus’ permanent High Priesthood, as He continues to plead on our behalf so that we can draw near to God. Because Jesus lives forever in His unique position, we have continual access to God. Jesus is not the accuser who condemns but rather the Intercessor who pleads and saves.

Jesus is able to save “completely” or “to the uttermost.” There is no flaw in what Jesus did for us. The path to salvation is set and He is fully capable of doing what God intended for humanity. His appeals on our behalf perfectly accomplish His will. He can do this because “He always lives.” Jesus defeated death through the resurrection, and because He ever lives, He can provide life for those who turn to Him. This is why we must remain faithful, giving our total allegiance to Jesus as our King, our High Priest, and our Intercessor.

As the Mediator, Jesus reconciles us to God. He breaks down the wall between us and opens up the path to fellowship. As the Intercessor, Jesus continually goes to the Father on our behalf and is able to save us completely. We have a permanent High Priest through Christ who also gave Himself as our ransom so that we can be reconciled, saved, and drawn near to God through Him. The Lord does not just do this once upon initial salvation, but He ever lives to do this on our behalf. By His grace, He continues to be our Intercessor even now.

Without Jesus as our Mediator, we could not be reconciled with God. Without Jesus as our Intercessor, we would have none to plead our cause and save us completely. Through Jesus, we have both, and only through Him can we have hope. Let us remain faithful to Him.

— Via Articles from the La Vista church of Christ, May 23, 2024

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Our Habitable Earth

Jerry Fite

In the context of Jehovah revealing His uniqueness and supremacy to the Persian king, Cyrus, God claimed that He created the earth and “formed it to be inhabited” (Isaiah 45:18). As we learn more about our Earth and other planets, the more we observe that life is peculiar to Earth. To men traveling in the parched darkness of space, the Earth’s bluish-green hue appears as an oasis for life.

The Earth tilts 23.3 degrees. If it were a 90 degree angle, much of the Earth’s surface would become a dry desert. The poles would become vast continents of massive snow and ice. This added weight would force the equator to bulge, and change drastically the Earth’s rotation.

As is, the Earth rotates at the right speed – about 1,000 miles per hour. If it turned much slower, life would eventually die due to too much heat during the long days, and extreme cold during the extended nights.

The Earth also orbits around the sun at the right speed. It takes the Earth 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes and 45.51 seconds to make one round trip. If the speed were much faster, then centrifugal force would pull the Earth away from the sun, causing very cold temperatures. If the Earth traveled much slower, then we would drift too close to the sun causing Earth’s temperatures to be extremely hot.

The sun’s surface temperature is 12,000 degrees. If we were closer to the sun, like the next planet, Venus, we would be roasting in an average temperature of 1,006 degrees. The Earth, being some 93 million miles away from the sun, enjoys an average temperature of 59 degrees.

One factor helping to keep temperatures constant for Earth is the enormous bodies of water upon the Earth. Some 70 percent of the globe’s surface is covered by water. These vast pools absorb the heat during the day and release it during the night, keeping the Earth’s surface habitable at all times.

The Earth tilts, rotates and orbits at the right angle and speed. It possesses vast temperature stabilizers. These all combine to make the Earth a place to dwell. God says that He designed and created it for that purpose.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, September 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

October 20, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Wilderness Warnings (Andy Diestelkamp)
2) Bring Them to Jesus (Doug Roush)
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Wilderness Warnings

Andy Diestelkamp

In general, throughout time, the gospel of Jesus Christ has not been well received. The Jews of Jesus’ day imagined themselves as being more receptive to God’s Word than were their forefathers, saying “If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets” (Matt. 23:30). Yet Jesus called them “serpents” who as “sons of those who murdered the prophets” would “fill up … the measure of [their] father’s guilt” by their own rejection of Him and those He would send to them (vv 31-34).

After crucifying Jesus, the Jewish leadership focused on squelching any effort to resurrect the idea that Jesus was the Messiah (Matt. 27:62-66; Acts 4:1-3,17,18,21; 5:17,18, 26-28, 33,40; 6:9-15, etc.). They failed simply because “it was not possible that” death could hold Him (2:24); and those who witnessed His bodily resurrection boldly proclaimed it (2:32-36; 3:15; 4:8-12,19; 5:29-32; etc.).

It is in this context that Stephen, when hauled before the Jewish council on false charges, used the opportunity to review Israel’s history. He highlighted Israel’s pattern of rejecting God’s prophets. Specifically, he emphasized Moses as a type of the “Prophet” who was to come and to whom they should listen (7:37). Moses, too, had been rejected (vv 23-28); but it was Moses, though rejected, who God used to deliver His people from bondage (vv 35,36). It was Moses to whom God spoke and “who received the living oracles to give to” Israel. Yet their forefathers “would not obey, but rejected. And in their hearts they turned back to Egypt” and its idolatry and the bondage that came with it (vv 38-41).

Next Stephen adapted the words of Amos who—centuries after Moses—prophesied to the apostate tribes of Israel about their future Assyrian captivity. Yet, instead of saying “beyond Damascus” (Amos 5:25-27), Stephen said, “beyond Babylon” (Acts 7:42,43), making it clear that his present audience could not excuse themselves from his point. Both Israel and Judah were historically unfaithful to God. Their captivities went well beyond Assyria and Babylon as they were presently dominated and occupied by Rome!

Stephen’s lesson was masterful and his application blunt. “You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. … they killed those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers” (vv 51,52). Once again the Jews had rejected the One sent to rescue them. Still, Jesus willingly went to the cross to offer them and us deliverance.

The wilderness wandering of the children of Israel serves as a warning to subsequent generations for any with ears to hear and minds to learn from history rather than blindly repeat the sins of their fathers. Israel did not do a good job of this despite being repeatedly reminded to remember. Jesus calls His disciples to do better (cf. Matt. 5:20). Thus, even the earliest Christians were taught lessons from Israel’s failures to make them aware of the real threat of apostasy.

Using the events of the exodus and wilderness wandering, Paul presented a compelling comparison that should sober all followers of Jesus Christ. He observed “that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink” (1 Cor. 10:1-4). Note that the word all is used five times to emphasize their common experience. Using Moses as a type of Jesus, Paul inserted the word baptized into this historical sketch of Israel’s deliverance to make a point to all who had been baptized into Christ. Just as all who were “baptized” into Moses were saved from Egyptian bondage, so all who are baptized into Christ are saved from bondage to sin. Likewise, those so delivered all ate of the same food and drink which “was Christ.” Again, Paul inserts Christ into the picture to insure that Christians understand the point of this comparison: “But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness” (v 5). All Israel was saved, but most of Israel did not remain faithful and were not permitted to enter the land of promise! To Christians Paul writes, “These things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted” (v 6). “They were written for our admonition” (v 11). “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall” (v 12). Thus Paul wrote as an admonition to us to do likewise, “I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified” (9:27).

Similarly, the Hebrews’ author cited Psalm 95 which admonished ancient Israel to remember their “rebellion in the day of trial in the wilderness” (Heb. 3:8) and warned Christians, “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (v 12). “To whom did [God] swear that they would not enter His rest, but to those who did not obey? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (vv 18,19). “We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end” (v 14). Let we who call Jesus Lord beware lest we behave like Israel in the wilderness or like the Jews of Jesus’ day. “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?” (2:3). Remember Christ. Trust in Him. Obey Him. Hold fast to Him to the end!

— Via Think on These Things, Volume 55, No. 4, October-November-December 2024
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2 Timothy 4:7-8

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (NASB).
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Bring Them to Jesus

Doug Roush

The New Testament reveals that forty people who had the same disease were healed by Jesus. Of this number, thirty-four were taken to Jesus by friends, or He was taken to them. Only six of that number found their way to Jesus without assistance.

Consider the number today who have sinned and have come to Jesus in obedience. How many were brought by families or friends? How many were invited by someone they met during a normal day’s activities? How many found their way to the truth without assistance?

Statistics show that less than 2% of members of the Church came on their own. The other 98+% were invited and/or encouraged to attend by someone who cared about them. With this realization, let us genuinely care about the people with whom we come in contact daily. Let us look for opportunities to invite everyone to study the Bible with us or to worship with us. In short, let us be encouraging others to learn God’s will and become Christians. Every time you interact with someone in your daily walk of life, think how you are going to bring them to Jesus to be forgiven of their sin and live with a valid hope of eternal life in His presence. Statistically, their soul is in your hands.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, March 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

October 13, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Did Christ Die In Vain? (Jady W. Copeland)

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Did Christ Die In Vain?

Jady W. Copeland

The death of Christ is one of the most touching scenes in history. He was innocent, pure in heart and in life, and died for crimes He did not commit. No greater injustice could be imagined. Innocent men have died before and since because of imperfect laws and judgments by men, but Jesus died even though He had not sinned, and no “guile was found in His mouth” (1 Pet. 2:22). Tears well up in our eyes when we see children mistreated or a young girl is reported to have been raped, but when you think of the innocence of Jesus and His prayer in Gethsemane along with the agony He was undergoing because of the sins of the world, it is worse. Yet it was all necessary for the remission of our sins. The death of Christ is connected with salvation of men. The Hebrew writer said, “But we behold him who hath been made a little lower than the angels, even Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste death for every man” (Heb. 2:9). Peter said, “Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit” (1 Pet. 3:18). While we may not understand many injustices in this life, we know that the suffering of Christ, the agony on the cross, and the mental and physical pain endured by our Savior before the cross was necessary that God’s highest creation may be saved from sin. There could have been no other reason for such suffering and pain!

But to many, Christ died in vain! So far as many in the world are concerned there was no reason at all for Christ dying and suffering as He did. Let us look at some of these whose lives and doctrine tell us that Christ died in vain.

He Did If He Was Not Raised

What good would the sacrifice have been had not He been raised? Our final resurrection from the dead depends on His resurrection (1 Cor. 15:12-14). Paul poses the question that if one admits that Christ is raised why should they deny that all will be raised? But furthermore (on the other hand) if there is no resurrection, then why would they argue that Christ has been raised? So our resurrection depends on His resurrection. And if there is no resurrection, then His death is in vain. His death was necessary only if He was going to be raised from the dead. Truly, He was “raised for our justification” (Rom. 4:25). But if He was not raised the apostles were false witnesses (1 Cor. 15:15). Yet there are many who deny the resurrection. The resurrection is the very apex of His miracles and if we can believe this, the other miracles are not hard to believe. Why would some think the death of Christ is important and deny the resurrection?

He Died In Vain If The Law Of Moses Is Binding

Very few people in the religious world understand (evidently) the relationship between Moses’ law and the gospel of Christ. Almost universally they try to follow both. This has been a problem from the beginning of the gospel’s advent into the world by Christ and His apostles and in looking at the history of religion in America we can see it constantly remains. Alexander Campbell’s great “Sermon On The Law” which was preached at the annual meeting in 1816 of the Redstone Association of Pennsylvania when another speaker became ill received so much opposition that it led to his withdrawal from the association. And today, ask nearly any person (preacher or otherwise) and they will tell you that the Ten Commandments of the Law of Moses is applicable to all today. Possibly we do not spend enough time on this issue in converting people in our personal work classes or sermons.

In dealing with the false teachings of that time, Paul in his letter to the Galatians dealt with this issue. It continued to be a problem in the Jew-Gentile relationship (chapter two). In Galatians 2:21 he says, “I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died in vain.” Judaizing teachers insisted on keeping the law (Gal. 1:6-7). But Paul says that no flesh (Jew or Gentile) is justified (made right) by the law (Gal. 2:16). They had not received the Spirit by the hearing of the law, but by the gospel (Gal. 3:1-3). Christ redeemed all from the law for it was a curse to all who would continue to follow its precepts (Gal. 3:13). The Gentiles were not included in the law, and if the law could save, then the Gentiles would not have access to salvation (Gal. 3:14). The law was only added until the seed (Christ) came (Gal. 3:15-22) but now all are saved by Christ and His gospel, not by the law. But righteousness did not come by the law, but “a righteousness of God hath been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe, for there is no distinction” (Rom. 3:21-22). Finally, Paul said, “Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace” (Gal. 5:4). One purpose of the coming of Christ was to take away the law and make possible a way of redemption through His blood. The blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin so Jesus had to come and make that sacrifice. So the truth remains that if one can be saved by the law of Moses, Christ died in vain.

He Died In Vain If Morality Alone Saves

A large number of people believe that the death of Christ is unnecessary for they believe that they will not be lost if they live a moral life. It is rather a negative approach to salvation. Why should I be condemned if I haven’t done anything “that bad”? “I am a good person, and why should the Lord condemn me to hell?” it is said. But unless one says he has never sinned, then he must admit that he needs the blood (the death) of Christ, for only in the blood of Christ can one be saved (Eph. 1:7). Furthermore this admits that I can “merit” salvation, which the Bible teaches can never happen. It seems that some of the brethren are having a hard time seeing the difference in accepting God’s gift conditionally and meriting salvation. The fact that I must obey Christ to accept His gift is not to say that I merit or deserve salvation. But if God must save me because I am good then we must be saying that salvation depends on goodness of man. And if I am good, then God has to save me.

Let us look at it this way. There are only two possibilities regarding me and sin. Either I have or have not sinned, one of the two. All have sinned (Rom. 3:23; 1 Jno. 1:10). Now since all have sinned, there are only two dispositions that God can make of sin. First, sin must be punished, so God can take care of that for “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23). God cannot overlook sin and be true to His nature. Sin cannot go unpunished. So there is only one other thing that can be done. Since we have sinned we must either take the consequences or be forgiven of sin by the God of heaven. This is done through the blood (death) of Christ and Peter calls this redemption by the blood. We are not redeemed by material things “but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (I Pet. 1:18-19). We are “loosed” by His blood (Rev. 1:5). This is the reason Paul says we must be “baptized into His death” since it was in His death that the blood was shed (Rom. 6:3) as that is the only way we can appropriate the blood to our sins. When one is baptized into the death of Christ, he is washed in the blood. When one is baptized into Christ his sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38). When one is baptized into Christ, he “puts on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). When one is baptized into Christ, he is a child of God. How can one possibly say one need not be baptized into Christ when all these blessings come as a result of baptism? One cannot be saved by “morality alone” for there is nothing in this to take away sins. And since all have sinned, there must be a cleansing agent – blood.

He Died In Vain If One Can Be Saved Outside The Church

This statement sounds so unnecessary since the saved are the church. We are “reconciled in one body,” which is the church (Eph. 2:16). But the same writer says the Lord is “head over all things to the church, which is His body” (Eph. 1:22-23). If we are reconciled (made friends again) in Christ, then how can one be saved if he is not in Christ? But Paul said in Colossians 1:21-22, “And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death (Emp. mine, JWC), to present you holy . . .” So we note that reconciliation unto God hinges on the death of Christ. If we can be saved outside of the realm of salvation (the church), then His death (which purchased the church, Acts 20:28) is unnecessary. It was through the mercy and loving kindness of God that Noah and his family were saved from the flood. Yet they had to build the ark (by faith) in order to be saved. It was inside of God’s providential care and planning that these people were saved by faith. The ark was necessary. It was God’s plan for their salvation. Through the cleansing power of Christ’s blood, salvation is made possible to mankind. When saved from sins (when God forgives), the people were called the church (Acts 2:47). It is a total misunderstanding of the way of salvation when men speak of being saved “outside of the church” for the saved compose the church. The church is nothing more or less than a group of saved people.

Christ Died In Vain If We Don’t Avail Ourselves Of His Power

Christ became the way of salvation to those who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). Polio vaccine will prevent this disease only if taken. It has the power to wipe out polio, but it will not prevent a single case if not applied. The same is true with the saving power of Christ. As long as one is not “baptized into His death,” it will not save. It was bad to have children and adults die of polio before there was a means of prevention; it seems worse in a way to know that some die of that dread disease when there is a cure. How terrible to think of millions dying where there is a cure for our sin-sickness. His blood will save from sin – but only if applied.

— Via Guardian of Truth XXVII: 13, pp. 387, 389-390, July 7, 1983

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume27/GOT027180.html

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

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

The Gospel Observer

October 6, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Divine Tact: Paul’s Epistle to Philemon (Bryan Gibson)
2) Quick to Forget (Zeke Flores)
3) “Just As I Am” (Frank Himmel)
——————–

-1-

Divine Tact: Paul’s Epistle to Philemon

Bryan Gibson

Onesimus was Philemon’s slave (v. 16), and not a particularly good one. He was “unprofitable” (v. 11), and may have even stolen from Philemon (v. 18). He “departed” (v. 16) from his master and made his way to Rome, where he was converted by Paul (v. 10). Paul has decided to send Onesimus back, and he wants Philemon to receive him (vv. 12, 15)—not just receive him, but “receive him as you would me” (v. 17). So why doesn’t Paul just tell him what to do, and leave it at that? We’ll let Paul explain: “Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you…” (vv. 8-9). “But without your consent I wanted to do nothing, that your good deed might not be by compulsion, as it were, but voluntary” (v. 14).

We’re not told how Philemon responded, but we can’t help but think it was a favorable response—for the following reasons:

Paul’s description of himself: “…for love’s sake I rather appeal to you, being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ” (v. 9). Hard to turn down an appeal from an aging brother, who just happens to be in prison for his faithfulness to Christ.

The praise Paul gives Philemon: “For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother” (v. 7).

And the way he uses that praise in his appeal: “Yes, brother, let ME have joy from you in the Lord; refresh MY heart in the Lord” (v. 20). Here’s an opportunity for Philemon to do for Paul what he had always done for other brethren.

The change in Onesimus (whose name means “profitable”): “who once was unprofitable to you, but now is profitable to you and to me” (v. 11); “receive him…no longer as a slave, but more than a slave—a beloved brother” (vv. 15-16). Philemon won’t be receiving the same man who left, mainly because Onesimus is now a Christian, a “faithful and beloved” Christian (Colossians 4:9).

The close relationship between Paul and Onesimus, and between Paul and Philemon: “You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart” (v. 12). “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me” (v. 17). How could Philemon say no, when receiving Onesimus would mean the same as receiving Paul?

The sacrifice made by Paul in sending Onesimus back: “whom I wished to keep with me, that on your behalf he might minister to me in my chains for the gospel” (v. 13). Not surprising that Paul would put what’s best for all ahead of what’s best for him.

What seems to be a suggestion of God’s providence: “For perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose, that you might receive him forever…” (v. 15). Doesn’t excuse Onesimus for what he did, but it does shift the focus—from the wrongs done by Onesimus in the past to the wonderful way it all turned out.

Paul’s willingness to pay Onesimus’ debts: “But if he has wronged you or owes anything, put that on my account…I will repay” (vv. 18-19). Paul was more than happy to remove this potential stumbling block to reconciliation.

The debt Philemon owed Paul: “…not to mention that you owe me even your own self besides” (v. 19). “Not to mention”—but he still mentions it. Seems that Philemon owed Paul what money could never repay.

The confidence Paul expresses in Philemon: “Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say” (v. 21). Just can’t imagine Philemon betraying the confidence this beloved brother has placed in him.

Why do we love the Bible so much? This beautifully worded, very tactful appeal is just one more reason.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, March 13, 2024

——————–

-2-

Quick to Forget

Zeke Flores

How many times have you heard a thing, yet forget what you heard in a matter of minutes? The older we get, the more we are “quick to hear, fast to forget.” Or, as we’ve all heard it, it’s in one ear and out the other. But the malady isn’t merely age-related.

Jesus warned about the problem in His parable of the sower and the seed (Matthew 13, Mark 4, Luke 8), which is more of a story about different kinds of “soil” or attitudes of the heart. Jesus explains that the seed sown is “the word of God” (Luke 8:11). You’d think such an important message would immediately be held fast, protected, and practiced. You’d think.

Unfortunately, after hearing such crucial information, we read about many who immediately forget all about its requirements and make no changes to accommodate themselves to it. While some people are willing to bask in the glow of such good news for a while, they are quick to leave it alone.

Ezekiel, the prophet, spoke of some who sang God’s message with “a beautiful voice” but still didn’t live according to it (Ezekiel 33:32). Isaiah mentioned some who delighted to know God’s ways but not enough to practice them (Isaiah 58:2). Not much has changed since then.

Hearing is not always believing, and believing is not necessarily doing. If we want God’s word to abide deeply in us, we’ve got to let it take root and root deep. This is done by hearing and then doing what He says.

Hearing and heeding, ah, now that’s the ticket.

“To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted. For whoever has, to him more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him” (Matthew 13:11-12).

— Via the La Vista church of Christ, September 7, 2024

——————–

-3-

“Just As I Am”

Frank Himmel

The song “Just As I Am” is one of our most commonly used invitation songs. The idea in the song is that we cannot make ourselves right with God on our own; apart from Jesus’ blood we have no hope. That is precisely the New Testament picture (Eph. 2:8-9; Tit. 3:5; etc.).

I fear, however, that some folks have an erroneous idea about Jesus saving us “just as we are.” They seem to think that He saves us without any change in our conduct. That is opposite to the New Testament picture.

Jesus’ charge to the apostles was “that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations” (Lk. 24:47). Forgiveness is extended to those willing to abandon sinful conduct, not to those who insist on continuing in it.

Paul wrote to the Corinthian Christians, “Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you…” (1 Cor. 6:9-10). He did not say such are some of you, but such were. They changed their conduct in connection with being washed, sanctified, and justified (v. 11).

“Just as I am,” if referring to our own helplessness, is a comforting sentiment. But to suggest it means salvation without repentance is to hold out false hope.

— Via the church of Christ at Greenwood, August 25, 2024

——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service.   Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

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

Something Greater

What Jesus claimed for Himself

What Others Said of Him

Philippians 2:9-11

The Passion of Christ

A Changed Man: The Story of King Manasseh

Come Hungry

Sword Tips #26

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Lessons on Providence from the Case of Simon Peter

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

God is a Prayer-Hearing God

The Prayer-Hearing God

Conclusion

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

David’s Charge to Solomon

“be thou strong”

“keep the charge”

“walk in his ways”

“keep his statutes …”

“that thou mayest prosper”

Cast Your Burden on the Lord

Sword Tips #22

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

A Tree & Its Fruit

Introduction

Beware of False Prophets

Who Come in Sheep’s Clothing

But Inwardly Are Ravenous Wolves

You Shall Know Them by Their Fruit

Conclusion

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“His Eye Is On The Sparrow”

What I Learned from Reading Psalms

On the Subject of Prayer

About the Burden of Sin and the Blessing of Forgiveness

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Jesus, Our Mediator and Intercessor

Jesus Is Our Mediator

Jesus Is Our Intercessor

Our Habitable Earth

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Wilderness Warnings

2 Timothy 4:7-8

Bring Them to Jesus

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Did Christ Die In Vain?

He Did If He Was Not Raised

He Died In Vain If The Law Of Moses Is Binding

He Died In Vain If Morality Alone Saves

He Died In Vain If One Can Be Saved Outside The Church

Christ Died In Vain If We Don’t Avail Ourselves Of His Power

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Divine Tact: Paul’s Epistle to Philemon

Quick to Forget

“Just As I Am”

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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