The Gospel Observer

August 18, 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).
——————–

Contents:

1) God’s Greatest Desire for Us (Berry Kercheville)
2) Rebels (Russ Bowman)
3) Part of the Prophecy of the Lord’s Crucifixion (Psalm 22:15-18)
——————–

-1-

God’s Greatest Desire for Us

Berry Kercheville

“For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:14–21 ESV).

Have you given thought to what God wants from you more than anything else? What is God’s greatest desire from his creation? Paul’s prayer is a detailed conclusion to the prayer he began in 1:15-20. Let’s break the prayer down so we can get a glimpse of God’s ultimate purpose.

“For this reason”

This is the third time Paul used this phrase (1:15; 3:1), each time breaking off his prayer to give explanation to a central thought in his requests.

“That; So That”

Four times in the text Paul used these words (typical in Ephesians) to express purpose and the end-goal of our spiritual growth. Notice these purposes:
“…that he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being…” (16)

“…so that Christ may dwell in your hearts…” (17)

“…that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend…and to know the love of Christ…” (17-18)

“…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (19)

“Strength; Power”

The words, “that” and “so that” direct us to see the purpose of the prayer and what we should desire to attain from God. Strength and power from God’s Spirit is needed if we are to attain “Christ dwelling in our hearts.” This cannot be accomplished by our own strength; it is attained by the power from God’s Spirit in his revealed word. The words, “strength, power, and might” were also used in the beginning of the prayer (1:15-20) in which Paul prayed that we know “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us…according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead…” Chapters two and three give us detailed descriptions of God’s power toward us.

“Christ Dwelling in Our Hearts”

If Christ is dwelling in our heart, our heart and lifestyle actually looks like Christ lives there. Our homes reflect our presence by the way we decorate. If Christ makes his dwelling with us, our manner of life will reflect his presence.

“Rooted and Grounded in Love”

If Christ has “redecorated” our lives, we will become solidly anchored in his love for us, making it nearly impossible for us to turn our hearts toward anyone or anything else as our primary love.

“Strength to Comprehend…”

Paul prays that we comprehend the breadth, length, height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. This strikes deeply at any casual approach to Bible study instead of desiring to know every facet of the mind of God. We must ask, “To what extent am I lacking this fullness, and what am I going to do about it?” Knowing God in his fullness will lead us to have an experiential knowledge of the love of Christ that causes us to live sacrificially in everything we do.

“Filled with All the Fullness of God”

Here is the end-goal. It has always been God’s goal. He created us in his image, and after we fractured that image through sin, all scripture has been about renewing our minds so that we are “created after the likeness of God” (Eph. 4:24). We must study to comprehend the fullness of God and experience his love so that the world sees him in us.

Seem impossible? Far beyond what you can imagine or attain?

“He is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think” (20, NKJV).

Why is this prayer so important? Because when this happens,

“To him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus…forever and ever. Amen” (21).

Now, who among us has been praying this prayer? Hmmm.

— Via Focus Online, February 18, 2020
——————–

-2-

Rebels

Russ Bowman

“And there happened to be there a rebel, whose name was Sheba the son of
Bichri, a Benjamite. And he blew a trumpet, and said: ‘We have no share
in David, nor do we have inheritance in the son of Jesse; every man to
his tents, O Israel’” (2 Sam. 20:1).

Why is it that there always seems to be a rebel around? It is the case
in almost any circumstance, almost any collective effort or
organization, and particularly when some authority is recognized.
Someone is dissatisfied. Someone stirs trouble, incites opposition,
complains, undermines, subverts, gossips, suggests, deceives, lies.
Perhaps it is the result of ego and selfishness, envy or jealousy. Maybe
it grows out of poor leadership and failure of inclusion. For some
reason, some men are given to a competitive drive for ascendancy, and
submission to another man or group of men is repugnant. Almost certainly
Satan is involved. It is ugly. It is sad. It is destructive. It infects
God’s people all too often.

Unity is a difficult part of our service to God – not unity with God so
much (although that has its challenges and we often don’t like what He
demands either). More complicated is unity with others. Eph. 4:4ff
reminds us that God has offered a number of singular elements upon which
we are to build commonality – one body, spirit, hope, Lord, faith,
baptism, God and Father. But the admonition of vs. 1-3 begins with a
determination to unity and the humility which makes it possible. Unity,
like rebellion, begins with my deportment and my decision.

I don’t know what stirred up Sheba. Perhaps, like Shimei in the same
story, he felt that David had destroyed Saul and usurped the throne. We
are simply not told. What we are told is that he rebelled, led others to
rebel, and eventually had his head removed and thrown over the wall of
the city of Abel – a fitting end to one who opposed God’s anointed. A
fitting end for a rebel.

God help me that I am not the rebel.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, June 2024
——————–

-3-

Part of the Prophecy of the Lord’s Crucifixion

“My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
And my tongue cleaves to my jaws;
And You lay me in the dust of death.
For dogs have surrounded me;
A band of evildoers has encompassed me;
They pierced my hands and my feet.
I can count all my bones.
They look, they stare at me;
They divide my garments among them,
And for my clothing they cast lots.”

Psalm 22:15-18, NASB
——————–

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

August 11, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) What Do You See? (Paul White)
2) Jesus: Our “Underwriter” (Jerry Fite)
——————–

-1-

What Do You See?

Paul White

Just look at the kind of world in which we live. Just think about the various attitudes people manifest that can so easily bring doubt and distrust to even the noblest of heart. It’s easy to grow cynical. It’s even easier to make excuses for periods of inactivity. At times, all of us need our faith strengthened. We just need to be reminded that God is awesome and able, and our work is not in vain. If the apostle Paul had moments wherein he needed encouragement and assurance from the Lord, then so will we.

During Paul’s second missionary journey, having left Athens, Paul found himself in Corinth. Paul was facing an enormous challenge among such sinful circumstances. No doubt the Lord knew that even a man like the apostle Paul needed encouragement. And so He spoke to Paul in the night and said, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city” (Acts 18:9-10). Paul was obedient to such a vision and remained in Corinth “a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them” (Acts 18:11). Now we know the Lord is not going to speak to us in a vision today as He did Paul, but surely we believe He speaks to us through His word and invites us to trust Him as we go into a world of darkness preaching the gospel of light. What’s interesting is that it took a vision from the Lord to move Paul toward Corinth. Of all places and people, even Paul could not envision this being ripe for evangelism. Ever felt that way about your city?

I believe what the Lord wanted Paul to see, He wants us to see as well today. Let’s consider a few things the Lord wants us to see with an eye of faith.

He wants us to see souls. The Lord said to Paul, “I have many people in this city” (vs. 10). For our purposes, we are reminded that it’s people who need the gospel. It’s those who are yet in their sins that must “call on the name of the Lord.” “But how are they to call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Rom. 10:14). It’s in seeing souls, lost people who are in need of the saving gospel of Christ that motivates us to keep looking for opportunities to open our mouths and “go on speaking and not remain silent” (vs. 9).

He wants us to see His power. After telling Paul to speak and no longer remain silent, He then assured him, “I am with you.” What a promise! What power! But we need to be tapping into such Divine power. The Hebrew writer assures us that the word of God is “living and powerful” (Heb. 4:12). James assures us that the prayer of a righteous person “has great power” (James 5:16). What a promise! What a privilege! We just need to open our eyes and see how God’s presence and the assurance of such power can change everything. The Lord promised to be with Paul, and He promises to be with us today as we go among the lost seeking to “make disciples” of all the nations (Matt. 28:19-20). Therefore, we have no reason to be afraid.

He wants us to see the stamina necessary in seeking souls. Paul stayed at the task of preaching and teaching for a year and a half (vs. 11), perhaps even longer (vs. 18). He would not be easily discouraged or deterred from his work of seeking the lost. How we need such a spirit of determination. Seeking the lost and praying for doors of opportunity is hard work, work that can be filled with frustrations. But we must stay on task. We can’t afford to drift into despair or give up because we haven’t seen fruit in over a year. Let us have endurance for the mission. Let us “not lose heart in doing good” (Gal. 6:9), but remain “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58). God promises that our labor will not be in vain.

So the next time Satan tries to use doubt and fear to keep you from seeking some soul to save, how about seeing God’s power and trusting in His presence. Isn’t it time we started walking by faith and not by sight? What do you see?

— Via Viewpoint from the Valley Grove church of Christ, November 13, 2022
——————–

-2-

Jesus: Our “Underwriter”

Jerry Fite

Greek youngsters were taught to write during ancient times when writing materials were not as plentiful and comparatively expensive. Students would have a wax tablet with a stylus which was pointed on one end and flat on the other. The pointed end was used to write on the soft wax, and the flat end was used to smooth over the wax so the tablet could be used again.

The writing teachers would either write a sentence with a moral message or a line containing the important letters of the Greek alphabet at the top of the tablet. The teacher would also draw parallel lines on the tablet in which the student would write. The student would then take their stylus and follow the pattern of making each letter, keeping their writing straight by staying within the parallel lines.

William Barclay, in his work entitled New Testament Words, informs us not only of the above way of teaching Greek young people to write from Plato, but he also speaks of a way learned from Quintilian in his work, Education of an Orator. The teacher would write the letters on the student’s wax tablet and then the student would follow the grooves of the master’s work with his own hand. At first, the student’s hand was placed over the teacher’s hand as each letter was traced, then the student, “guided along the grooves,” could follow the pattern, not “straying beyond the boundary” (pages 139-140).

The line the teacher would provide for the student, and that which the student was to follow was called the “hupogrammos,” literally meaning, “the underwriting.”

There is only one time this word occurs in the New Testament. Peter uses the word in pointing to Jesus who left us “an example…”. (hupogrammos) that we should follow his steps” (I Peter 2:21).

These steps are not easy, for they are taken in the context of persecution and suffering. The Christian may have to suffer wrongfully for doing right (I Peter 2:19). It would be understandable to do wrong and be buffeted for the wrong. But in living in good conscience, one has done nothing wrong but lives as God directs, and he or she is still punished by others. Can he or she endure such suffering patiently? Yes, because one has already written the line to follow, and we can walk in the grooves of Jesus’ steps: “who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: who, when He was reviled, reviled not again, when He suffered, threatened not; but committed Himself to Him that judgeth righteously”(I Peter 2:22-23).

Jesus as the master teacher has drawn the parallel lines so our walk can be straight, and has shown us the pattern to follow in difficult times. He did not retaliate with evil when wronged by others, but with the mental stroke of the stylus, He committed Himself to the hands of God who will judge all men “righteously.” God will handle “the wrong,” so we can continue in lines “of right.”

In times of suffering for doing right, we need a gentle hand helping us to remain in the grooves. Paul received assurance when His thorn in the flesh was not removed. He had a comforting hand to follow as he traced out the letters of life: “My grace is sufficient for thee” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus is a great “underwriter!”

— Via Glad Tidings, Vol. XXXIV, No. 27, July 7, 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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

August 4, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Self-Love (Jerry Fite)
2) Escaping Satan’s Clutches (Ken Weliever)
——————–

-1-

Self-Love

Jerry Fite

Is loving self a sin? Should a Christian eliminate the love of self from his or her thinking?

Answering these questions may be a little tricky. But relying on the principle that truth harmonizes in all circumstances, we can answer these inquiries for ourselves Scripturally.

Loving self was one of two fastening nails upon which hung the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Jesus reminded his questioners, as they tested Him regarding the greatest commandment, the great and first commandment is to love God with all our heart, soul and mind. The second commandment is to “love thy neighbor as thyself” adding, “on these two commandments the whole law hangeth, and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37-40). Paul reminds the Christians in Rome that the section of the Law dealing with one’s relationship with man “is summed up in this word, namely, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself’” (Romans 13:9). James encourages Christians that when they “fulfill the royal law…Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well” (James 2:8). If we do well in carrying out the Lord’s command to love our neighbor as ourselves, must we not maintain a love for self?

A husband’s self-love is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with his wife. Paul connects the Lord’s perspective of His body, the church, with the husband’s attitude toward his wife. He exhorts, “Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his own wife loveth himself: for no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as Christ also the church” (Ephesians 5:28-29).

If a Christian does not have a healthy love for self, how will he or she relate compassionately with others? How will a husband relate positively in his care and protection of his own wife if he does not have a healthy love for self in caring for his own body? Surely, we can see that God demands the Christian to maintain a sound love for self in his or her walk with Christ.

While the love of self should be securely rooted within us, we must guard against it succumbing to “selfish root rot.” We must continually apply a healthy dose of “loving God first,” allowing it to absorb into our hearts. This encourages a healthy root system characterized as “not my will, but Thy will be done.” Self-love flourishes in responding compassionately and helpfully when loving God first surrounds the root of self-love.

Paul warns us grievous times will occur when people are “lovers of self” (2 Timothy 3:2). These are the times when self-love spreads without a godly perspective. A perverted self-absorbed perspective crowds out a healthy self-love. The priority of being “lovers of God” is sadly absent. People are not lovers of God but “lovers of pleasure” and “lovers of money” instead (2 Timothy 3:2,4). Ungodly self-absorption issues into “boastful,” “haughty” and “unthankful” people who believe all others exist to praise and admire them. Woe to the poor soul who doesn’t feed the self-absorbed cravings, the lover of self will betray you as a “traitor” and discard you in “slander” (2 Timothy 3:3). This “implacable” (2 Timothy 3:4) headstrong “my way or the highway” lover of self will not generate healthy relationships.

When the love for God is absent in the heart, worldly self-absorbed living will arise. Loving others as you love yourself is Scriptural. Make sure your self-love is rooted first in the love of God!

— Via Glad Tidings, Vol. XXVIII, No. 46, November 18, 2018
——————–

-2-

Escaping Satan’s Clutches

Ken Weliever

Not long after daylight on July 4th our daughter, Rachél, was attacked by an alligator in the shallow water of the Hillsborough River at her Temple Terrace home.

Rachél instinctively screamed but the gator wouldn’t let go of her right leg. After hitting it with a rock, she punched it in the nose with her fist. But the gator held on. Tight.

Fearing she was about to be dragged into deeper water, Rachél described to Bay News Nine reporter Matt Lackritz who interviewed her on Friday, how in desperation she reached her hands to either side of the gator’s jaws and pried them open. After crawling back to her yard, Rachél wrapped her leg in a towel, and called a neighbor to take her to the hospital.

In describing the rush of adrenaline she felt, Rachél told Matt, “I was not ready to leave my family yet.”

By God’s grace, Rachél is home from the hospital recovering after a successful surgery for a fractured Fibula, as well as tissue damage. Thankfully, no major nerves were severed. The prognoses is 6-8 weeks before the bone is healed.

Rachél’s spunk, determination, and strong will allowed her to escape the gator’s clutches. In a similar way, we need the same resolve to escape the Devil’s attacks on our soul.

While not described as an alligator, the Bible does depict the Devil as an old serpent, a roaring lion, and a great, fiery dragon (Rev. 20:2; 12:3; 1 Pet. 5:8) who seeks our harm. The metaphors are designed to warn us about the danger he poses. The seriousness of his attacks. And the need to be wary of him.

The Bible speaks of our struggle against Satan’s schemes and how we wrestle with his temptations. Resisting is not always easy. We must fight against his wiles (Eph. 6:10-17).

Satan seeks to ensnare us today with the age old tactics of the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (1 Jn. 2:15-17). It requires our determination and resolve to resist. To fight against feelings we know that are injurious to our spiritual health and well-being.

Today the devil has so many people in his clutches. It may be an addiction. A harmful habit. A destructive relationship. A crippling emotional dependency. Or even spiritual indifference.

Unlike the alligator whose grip is obvious, hurtful, and life threatening, Satan employs means that are more subtle. Through delusion, deception, deceit and disinformation, we may find ourselves in his grip. But it doesn’t seem so bad. It might even feel fine. That’s why the Bible warns us to be alert. Be vigilant. Be watchful. And to pay attention to the devil’s attacks. To be ready to fend off his advances.

When you find yourself in the devil’s grasp, you need the resolve and courage Rachél possessed in fighting the gator. Are you ready to scream? To punch him in the mouth? To pry away his grip from your heart, mind, and soul? To do whatever it requires to find release and be rescued from certain spiritual death?

Like the gator, the Bible says Satan will devour us if we don’t resist and fight against his aggression. The apostle exhorted, “fight the good fight of faith.” That includes fighting against spiritual temptation. Sinful desires. And Satan’s schemes.

We are so relieved and grateful that Rachél was spared from this awful ordeal. In the same spirit, we pray that you can fend off the Devil’s dangerous attacks on your soul. That you can be successful in your spiritual struggles. And that you can strengthen your resolve to live for the Lord.

“Be strong and of good courage” (Josh. 1:6).

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, July 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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

July 28, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Psalm 63: Thirsting for God (Berry Kercheville)
2) Sword Tips #20 (Joe R. Price)
——————–

-1-

Psalm 63: Thirsting for God

Berry Kercheville

“1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:1–8 ESV).

A number of years ago I baptized a woman who had been in evangelical churches most of her life. She was a terrific student of the scriptures and passionate about her pursuit of God. However, after attending worship and classes for a number of months, she was discouraged with what she was seeing in many Christians. Her words to me were basically this: “I readily admit that evangelical churches have missed many of the details about how we are to serve and worship God and especially about baptism. But in my limited experience in churches of Christ, I find that though the culture is careful obedience, passion for God and who he is, is lacking.” I agreed that her perception was true of many, but it wasn’t true of all churches or all Christians.

Psalm 63 addresses this failure as David describes his relationship with God. It should cause us to pause and consider our own approach before God.

Twice in the psalm David speaks of his lips uttering joyful praise. But when is praise truly praise? Is it praise simply because we say the words? Is praise when we sing an upbeat song that chants, “God is great?” Everything David says in the psalm explains the foundation for praise. David clarifies when praise is truly praise, and by implication, when praise is the song of a hypocrite.

In verses 1-2, David expresses strong desire for God. This should challenge us. Do we earnestly seek God? Does our soul thirst for God? Does our flesh faint for God in the same way we would for water in a dry and weary land? These inner spirit emotions are a fair test of our spirituality and our pursuit of God. Notice carefully, it is not simply God’s word for which David is earnestly seeking or thirsting, it is God himself. The word of God certainly is the means by which we learn and know God, but study of the word can be mechanical – simply discovering the right side of morality, behavior, and hot-button issues – but not truly developing a passion for God himself (Cf. John 5:39). It is the failure to know God in an experiential way.

Verses 2-3 explain why David has a deep desire for God. First he has “looked upon” God “in the sanctuary” and beheld “his power and glory.” We should ask ourselves whether we have looked upon God? Have we beheld his power and glory? I remember when I would have answered that question with, “Huh?” In the Prophets (especially Isaiah), God offers us beautiful descriptions of himself that cause us to long for him and thirst for him. As John records in his gospel (12:38-41), “Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory and spoke of him.” Isaiah saw the glory of God (John’s context, Jesus), and then revealed that glory to us in his prophecy. When we study to see God, we respond as David responded.

David also thirsted for God because his “steadfast love is better than life.” Abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness is how God described and revealed himself to Moses (Ex. 34:5-6). It was that steadfast love to which Moses repeatedly appealed when he would intercede for the people. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment, “and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). To appreciate God for his steadfast love requires us to be in touch with our sin and deeply moved by our failure. Ezekiel said we would “loathe ourselves for our iniquities and abominations” (36:31). The sinful woman of Luke 7:36-51 loved much because she was forgiven much. That cannot happen until we look on God and behold his power and glory.

Verses 5-8 give us David’s contrast between one’s soul in a dry and weary land and being filled and satisfied with God. When God is our desire and our soul thirsts for him, we will be satisfied “as with fat and rich food.” Physical food is frustrating. Regardless of how good and filling it can be, in a few hours the emptiness returns. But when we hunger for God, he is the all-satisfying object; nothing else comes close. We look in vain to be filled elsewhere but we always end up in that “dry and weary land where there is no water.”

Again, David offers the mechanism by which one is satisfied by fat and rich food. He looked back and “remembered” God. On his bed at night he rehearsed God’s presence and work in his life. He replayed how God had always been his help and protection. He saw himself “under the shadow of your wings” and as a result would “sing for joy.” Oh what a song to sing! David wrote this psalm while living in the wilderness as he escaped Saul. He was able to meditate on how God had rescued him and sustained him. David had truly experienced God’s presence, which drove him to say, “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”

There are two primary lessons that are sorely needed by every Christian:

1. God is our ultimate goal and pursuit. To speak of the Christian life without the knowledge and experience of the ever-present and all-satisfying God is to miss what it means to “know what is the breadth and length and height and depth and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge” (Eph. 3:18-19).

2. Praise is a result of God being our all-satisfying joy. Praise happens when we taste the fat and rich food, tasting “the pure spiritual milk…that the Lord is good” (1 Pet. 2:2-3). Why is praise such a prominent part of the Psalms? It is because all enjoyment spontaneously overflows into praise. We praise what we love. We praise that which fills us. John Piper says it this way: “God is not worshiped where he is not treasured and enjoyed…Not to enjoy God is to dishonor him. To say to him that something else satisfies you more is the opposite of worship. It is sacrilege.” Indeed, to go further, to assemble and “sing songs of praise” when we have never been filled with fat and rich food is like praising a restaurant we have never visited or a person we have never known.

— Via Focus Online, November 3, 2020
——————–

– 2-

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

Sword Tips #20

Joe R. Price

A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls. (Proverbs 25:28)

The anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor is December 7, 1941 – “a date which will live in infamy.” The enemy was underestimated, with devastating consequences.

Self-control is designed to protect you against sin. But, you must cultivate self-control by making right choices every day.

Do not underestimate your enemy, the devil. Like Christ, “refuse the evil and choose the good.”

Don’t be left defenseless; exercise self-control in all things.

——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

July 21, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents

1) “The Gospel Which Was Preached Of Me” (H.E. Phillips)
2) One with the Father and the Son (Bryan Gibson)
——————–

-1-

“The Gospel Which Was Preached Of Me”

H.E. Phillips

No man in New Testament times received more attacks and criticism for his preaching than did the apostle Paul. Again and again he was called upon to defend his apostleship and the gospel which he preached. The book of Galatians is largely devoted to the proof of his apostleship and the divine origin of the gospel which he preached in contrast to the false doctrines which were carrying them away from the Lord. The ideas of what constitutes proof of sound doctrine today may vary, but the one way to prove what is sound doctrine was used by the apostle in Galatians 1:11,12: “But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Of course, we do not today receive the gospel directly from Jesus Christ; but we do receive what was delivered directly to the apostles. What we read in the New Testament is the word of Christ just as Paul and the other apostles received it. But usually when one comes to prove a proposition or establish a practice he uses other arguments besides the fact that it is written in the New Testament. Those who do such are occupying the grounds of the false teachers against whom Paul wrote in the Galatian epistle. A certain doctrine is taught; and to make the hearer believe it, the teacher or preacher resorts to the following claims:

1. ‘My years of experience.’ Paul could not say much for his years of experience in the gospel as compared to the other apostles. He speaks of himself as “of one born out of due time.” Now one of the first arguments made is that of preaching so many years. That is supposed to make the hearer accept what he says. This is no proof because a man may preach error for fifty years and never get it right.

2. ‘My education.’ Paul mentioned his education in the righteousness of the law at the feet of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), but he counted all this for nothing in preaching the gospel delivered to him by Christ (Phil. 3:7-9). One does not know God by the wisdom of this world (1 Cor. 1:20-21). The number of degrees a man has does not prove his preaching to be true.

3. ‘I stand with great men of the past.’ Paul stood with one of the greatest teachers of his day — Gamaliel — but he did not offer that as proof of the truth he preached. Often great men of the past were wrong in what they taught. The thing to do is to prove that these men stood upon the only foundation of truth — the New Testament, then we have only proved that we have the truth because it is taught in the word of God. Just the fact that we stand with great men of the past does not give credence to what we teach; it is the fact that it comes from the New Testament.

4. ‘The majority agree with my stand.’ Not one time do we read of Paul, or any other apostle, using this argument to prove either apostleship or truth of the gospel which they preached. History abounds with proof that the majority are always opposed to the gospel of Christ. It is true that many people are more persuaded by the stand of the majority and the elite than they are by what is taught in the gospel of Jesus Christ, but this does not prove their doctrine to be true. Just the fact that one stands with the minority does not prove him right. It must be proved by what is taught in the word of God. Neither the majority nor the minority proves a man to be teaching the true gospel.

5. ‘I have never changed.’ This is supposed to guarantee that the position held without change is the true one. This is certainly not the proof Paul used to establish his apostleship and his gospel. He freely admitted his change and told why. His proof was not in the consistency of his own belief and practice through his years, but rather that he had learned and received the truth that did not come from man, nor by man, but from the Lord himself. He says that in his former course he “thought” he was right, but learned of his error and changed. The mere fact that one has never changed his teachings does not prove his doctrine to be true. The only proof of sound doctrine is what is taught in the New Testament. Let that be our only appeal.

— Via Viewpoint from the Valley Grove church of Christ, August 7, 2022
——————–

-2-

One with the Father and the Son

Bryan Gibson

Jesus, in describing His relationship with the Father, used these phrases: “I and My Father are one” (John 10:30); “the Father is in Me, and I in Him” (John 10:38); “I am in the Father, and the Father in Me…the Father who dwells in Me” (John 14:10). But here’s what’s amazing—Jesus wants us to be one in them (the Father and the Son): “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in you; that they also may be one in Us…” (John 17:20-21).

So how is this possible—that we can be one in the Father and the Son (them in us and us in them)? If we can identify the different ways Jesus is one with the Father, then we can understand how we can be one in them. Here are three different ways in which Jesus and the Father are one, and how each relates to our unity with them.

Jesus and the Father are one in DOCTRINE. Jesus affirmed over and over again that what He taught came from His Father, that His words were the Father’s words (John 7:14-18; 8:26-29, 40; 12:47-50; 14:24; 17:8, 14). That being the case, for us to be one in them, we must teach only what Jesus taught. And that’s exactly what these passages plainly state: “Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 1:9). “Therefore, let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father” (1 John 2:24). There’s no getting around it—what we teach must be ONE with what Jesus taught.

Jesus and the Father are one in LOVE. Jesus spoke often of His Father’s love (John 3:35; 5:20; 10:17; 14:21, 23; 16:27; 17:24), the same love Jesus showed to others (“as the Father loved Me, I also have loved you”—John 15:10). This divine love is exemplified in a number of ways, including His willingness to lay down His life for us (John 3:16; 10:11, 15, 17-18). And it’s this divine love that Jesus wants to see in us: “And I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which you loved Me may be in them, and I in them” (John 17:26). We can’t be “in them” and “them in us” unless we demonstrate this same love to others (“love one another, as I loved you”—John 15:12; see also John 13:34-35; Ephesians 5:25; 1 John 3:13-18; 4:7-16).

Jesus and the Father are one in WILL. Not only was what Jesus taught in harmony with the Father’s will, but also what He did (“for I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me”—John 6:38; see also 4:34; 5:30; 8:29; 14:31; 15:10). In fact, this was the very way Jesus expressed His love for the Father—“I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, so I do”—John 14:31). And so, to be one with the Father and the Son, and to properly express our love, we must do as Jesus did—obey the Father’s will, or make His will our will (“he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him”—1 John 3:24; see also John 14:15, 21, 23-24; 1 John 2:3-6). Unlike Jesus, we don’t obey the will of God perfectly, and so in order to maintain this fellowship, we must humbly repent, confess our wrongs, and seek forgiveness from God (1 John 1:7, 9).

How is it, then, that we can be one in the Father and the Son? How can they be in us and us in them? How do we maintain this fellowship? By making His doctrine our doctrine, His love our love, and His will our will.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, May 29, 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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

July 14, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents

1) The Proud Pharisees (Bryan Gibson)
2) Misplaced Trust (Zack Fisk)
——————–

-1-

The Proud Pharisee

Byran Gibson

There were notable exceptions (e.g. Paul), but generally speaking, the Pharisees were a proud bunch. The Pharisee Jesus depicted in this parable was all too typical: “God, I thank You that I am not like other men–extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector” (Luke 18:11). Speaking of the Pharisees, Jesus said, “They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi’” (Matthew 23:6-7). Pride of this sort will inevitably lead to other problems, and this was certainly the case with the Pharisees. Let’s examine some of the fruits of their pride, with this goal in mind: to make sure we’re not guilty of the same.

They did their good works, not to please the Lord, but to be seen of men (Matthew 23:5), the very thing Jesus warned against in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:1-2, 5, 16). Desire for man’s honor was exactly what kept many of the Pharisees from believing in Jesus (John 5:44). When you’re proud, it’s too easy to believe and do what’s popular, instead of what’s right.

This desire for man’s praise led them to practice what we might call an “outward only righteousness” (Matthew 23:23-28; Luke 11:42). They were meticulous in doing the things that could be seen by others, but they neglected such things as justice, mercy, faith, and even the love of God.

They failed to see themselves as God saw them—which is easy to do when you are full of yourself. They couldn’t see they were “full of extortion and self-indulgence…hypocrisy and lawlessness” (Matthew 23:25, 28). They couldn’t see their need for Jesus, because they couldn’t see their sin (Luke 7:36-50).

They couldn’t see their own sins, but they could sure see the sins of others. They were surprised Jesus would eat with such low-lifers as “tax collectors and sinners” (Mark 2:16); they even thanked God they were not like them (Luke 18:9-14). Honest self-examination would have made them much more humble in their approach to others (Galatians 6:1-5).

They closed their ears to the truth. When you’re proud, it’s easy to become entrenched in your own view, to reach the point that no amount of evidence can persuade you otherwise. There was no disputing that Jesus healed the blind man in John 9, but they did everything they could to dismiss the evidence (John 9:13-34). When proven wrong on a point, they didn’t admit it; they either got mad with the one who proved them wrong (Matthew 12:9-14), or resorted to ridiculous arguments (Matthew 12:22-26).

They loved money (Luke 16:13-15; 11:39), which is not surprising, when you consider they were all about status. When in love with the praise of men, it’s easy for this to become one’s focus.

Their traditions became more important to them than God’s word (Mark 7:1-13). Again, we’re not surprised, because these traditions were theirs. Breaking these traditions was an affront to them. It’s a shame that they couldn’t get as upset over violations of God’s commandments (including their own).

It’s no wonder Jesus sounded this warning in the Sermon on the Mount: “Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, July 9, 2024
——————–

-2-

Misplaced Trust

Zack Fisk

The days of the prophets were dark days indeed, being completely surrounded in sin and lawlessness. Behind them, the people of Judah had left their first love and true God. Currently, they were knee deep in sins and idolatry with no sign of changing, nor any sign of remorse. Ahead of them, destruction and captivity awaited them. This is the context of Jeremiah’s message when he said, “Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, the temple of Jehovah, are these” (Jer. 7:4). The people of Judah never considered captivity or destruction as reasonable possibilities, because they believed as long as the temple of God stood, Jerusalem would stand. Because of this faulty mindset, Jeremiah warned against false prophets by saying “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14; 8:11). Jeremiah called the people to turn back to God and place their trust in Him, not in the temple or in some other physical object.

Although Jeremiah’s voice seems far removed from us today, the lessons that he taught are as timely as ever. The world ranks “strong” and “weak” churches today based on the number of people that attend. Another big factor that controls the world’s view of strength is the size of the contribution offered. Many churches draw in new families by advertising the size of their “youth group” to create a family-friendly atmosphere. While each one of these elements is not wrong in and of themselves, they do not necessarily represent congregational strength. John wrote to the Church at Sardis that they had a reputation among men for being alive, but they were actually dead (Rev. 3:1). Jesus did not address the contribution, the attendance, the so-called “youth group,” or any other physical attraction. He attacked their teaching, their failure to repent, their incomplete devotion towards God, and their failure to be watchful for Christ’s coming (Rev. 3:2-3). God wants all men to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4) and wants to see them added to the church (Eph. 5:23; Col. 1:18), but He does not want people placing their confidence in a number, a size, a preacher, a song service, or a large number of young people. More than anything else, God wants His followers to focus on hearing His word, and keeping His commandments (Matt. 7:21-25; James 1:21-25). Jesus connected obedience with love when He said “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15), and again “Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you” (Jn. 15:14). While we cannot earn our salvation by keeping a checklist of commands to get our ticket to heaven punched, obedience demonstrates a living and saving faith (1 Thess. 1:3; James 2:14-26). God does not desire a large number of lukewarm followers who have placed their trust in carnal symbols of strength and success (Rev. 3:14-19), but hearts that are truly convicted to serving Him faithfully.

Jeremiah’s preaching urged the people to turn back to God and trust in His laws (Jer. 18:8). Their false security in the temple and in Jerusalem pulled their hearts away from God, and we must not follow their example. Our hope and trust must not be in what we see around us, but in God’s Word and the promises He has given for those who will follow Him.

— Via Viewpoint from the Valley Grove church of Christ, May 8, 2022
——————–

Micah 6:8

“He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?”

— NASB
——————–

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

July 7, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents

1) Jesus the Good Shepherd (Doy Moyer)
2) What Does God See in Your Heart? (Bryan Gibson)
——————–

-1-

Jesus the Good Shepherd

Doy Moyer

One of the great figures for the Messiah is that of the Good Shepherd. Jesus refers to Himself as the “door of the sheep,” but He is more than that. “I am the good shepherd,” He claimed (John 10:11). We will consider more in that context, but let’s back up a little.

This concept of the Lord as a Shepherd is rich in meaning, and it finds its roots in the Hebrew Scriptures. For example, God is referred to as “the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel” in Genesis 49:24. When the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt, He led them “like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron” (Psa 77:20). The psalmist also recognized that “He is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand” (Psa 95:7). Kings were considered to be shepherds, and these concepts are tied with God in Psalm 80:1 where God is called the “Shepherd of Israel” who is also “enthroned upon the cherubim.” David, a messianic type, was both a shepherd and a king. Think of David’s experiences as he referred to God in his famous Psalm 23, a psalm that also connects to the exodus: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psa 23:1). In the New Testament, overseers of a congregation are referred to as shepherds looking forward to the unfading crown of glory they will receive when “the Chief Shepherd appears” (1 Peter 5:1-4). The shepherd theme is rich and runs throughout Scripture.

The many passages referencing shepherds point to Jesus as the ultimate Shepherd, the “Good Shepherd.” Think of the beautiful passage in Isaiah 40 as the prophet provides God’s people this encouragement:

“Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him;
behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.
He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms;
he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young” (Isa 40:10-11).

This perfectly describes the work that Jesus would do, and John picks up this theme in John 10. Think, then, of what Jesus says He would do as the Good Shepherd:

“The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Jesus is not just a hired hand who does not own the sheep; He is the owner and loves His sheep deeply and will not run from danger. He is not willing to let wolves snatch and scatter His own, but loves them to the point of giving His life so that they might live.

“I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me” (John 10:14). Jesus does not guess at who belongs to Him. He knows His people (cf. 2 Tim 2:19). As Scripture says, “He knows those who take refuge in him” (Nah 1:7). Not only does He know His own people, but His people know Him. This is tied to the earlier statement: “But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10:2-3). The Lord’s sheep hear His voice and they follow Him. “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments” (1 John 2:3).

“I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice” (John 10:16). The mission of Jesus includes bringing in all nations, both Jew and Gentile. Doing this means “there will be one flock, one shepherd” (v. 16). The implication is that whoever listens to Jesus and follows Him will be part of the sheepfold. Jesus laid down His life, but it didn’t end there: “I lay down my life that I may take it up again” (v. 17). He died and rose again to lead people out of the wilderness of sin and into His kingdom where He gathers His lambs in His arms and carries them.

As the Good Shepherd, Jesus offers the good life, eternal life, the abundant life (John 10:10). When He is our Shepherd, we will not lack anything needed for life and godliness (2 Pet 1:3). He will have us lie down in green pastures and lead us beside quiet waters. He will restore our souls and lead us in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. With Him by our side, though we walk in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear evil (cf. Heb 2:14). He is with us, and His rod and staff will comfort us (Heb 13:5-6). Goodness and mercy will follow us all our days as we serve Him.

God be praised that we have the Good Shepherd as our Rock and Salvation! Jesus, the Chief Shepherd of our souls, stands ready and willing to grant us the unfading crown of glory.

— Via Bulletin Articles from the Vestavia church of Christ, March 24, 2024

——————–

-2-

What Does God See in Your Heart?

Bryan Gibson

“God left him alone only to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart” (2 Chronicles 32:31, NAS). King Hezekiah of Judah is the subject of this passage, but forget him for a minute. What does God see in YOUR heart? These five contrasting hearts should help us answer that question (these examples come from kings of Israel or Judah).

CONTRAST #1: PREPARED OR UNPREPARED?

Does He see what He saw in Rehoboam’s heart? “He did evil, because he did not prepare his heart (“did not set his heart”—ESV, NASV) to seek the LORD” (2 Chronicles 12:14).

Or, does He see what He saw in Jehoshaphat’s heart? “Good things are found in you, in that you have removed the wooden images from the land, and have prepared your heart to seek God” (2 Chronicles 19:3).

CONTRAST #2: MY WAYS OR HIS WAYS?

Does He see what He saw in Jeroboam’s heart? “So he made offerings…in the month which he had devised in his own heart” (1 Kings 12:33).

Or, does He see what He saw in Jehoshaphat’s heart? “And his heart took delight in the ways of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 17:6).

CONTRAST #3: HARD OR TENDER?

Does He see what He saw in Zedekiah’s heart? “He stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel” (2 Chronicles 36:13).

Or, does He see what He saw in Josiah’s heart? “Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place…you tore your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you” (2 Chronicles 34:27).

CONTRAST #4: ALL OR HOLDING BACK?

Does He see what He saw in Jehu’s heart? “But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of the LORD God of Israel with all his heart” (2 Kings 10:31).

Or, does He see what He saw in Josiah’s heart? “Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses…” (2 Kings 23:25).

CONTRAST #5: LIFTED UP OR LOWLY?

Does He see what He saw in Uzziah’s heart? “But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction…” (2 Chronicles 26:16).

Or, does He see what He saw in Hezekiah’s heart? “Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart…” (2 Chron. 32:26). And in Manasseh’s heart? “Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly…”

CONCLUSION

“I am He who searches the minds and hearts” (Revelation 2:23). Let’s make sure God finds in us a humble heart; a heart that delights only in His ways; a heart completely set on following His ways; a heart devoted to following ALL His ways; and a heart which is ever tender, toward both His commandments and His correction.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, July 4, 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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

June 30, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents

1) A Question About Good and Evil (Hoyt Houchen)
2) “Wouldn’t Be Prudent” (Bryan Gibson)
3) Sword Tips #19 (Joe R. Price)
——————–

-1-

A Question About Good and Evil

Hoyt Houchen

We read in Isaiah 45:7: “I form the light, and create darkness; I make peace, and create evil; I am Jehovah, that doeth all these things.” This verse raises the question: did God actually create only good?

God’s original creation was very good (Gen. 1:31). Also, we are told that God “cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man” (Jas. 1:13). Since God is moral (sinless), moral evil is contrary to His very nature. God, then, does not create moral evil.

In what sense does God create evil? The NASB translates Isaiah 45:7: “The one forming light and creating darkness, causing well-being and creating calamity; I am the Lord who does all this.” The word rendered by the NASB, “calamity,” is the Hebrew word rah, which basically means “evil” (either moral or misfortune evil). God is addressing Cyrus (v. 1), the Medo-Persian king who was later to “subdue kingdoms.” Specifically, he would capture Babylon because of the wickedness that prevailed in that city. God was using Cyrus as His instrument to inflict this punishment. The prophecy was uttered more than a hundred years before Cyrus was born, but it was all literally fulfilled. So, in view of the meaning of the Hebrew word in the verse, and the context of the verse, the word “evil” which God creates refers to the calamities as punishment upon wicked nations. God, therefore, does not create moral evil, but calamities or misfortunes come upon man as a result of his sin (see Ezek. 18:20; Rom. 5:12; 6:23; Jas. 1:14,15).

There are instances in the Old Testament when God brought calamity upon people as a result of their moral evil or wickedness. Because of wickedness, God destroyed the earth with water, sparing only Noah and his family (Gen. 6:5-8). God afflicted the Egyptians with ten plagues because of the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart (Ex. 7-12). God smote the Philistines with a great discomfiture and tumors while the Ark of the Covenant was among them (1 Sam. 5:9). Hell is created by God for those who are disobedient to His will (Matt. 25:41; 2 Thess. 1:7-9; Rev. 21:8; etc.) These are examples of evil which God created — calamity, adversity, misfortune — all punishment as a result of moral evil. He did not create the moral evil. God created man a free moral agent. When man violates God’s moral law, it is man, not God who is responsible for moral evil.

In 1 Samuel 16:14, we are told, “Now the Spirit of Jehovah departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from Jehovah troubled him.” This verse has posed a problem for some in that they assume that this is a cause of moral evil coming directly from God. But actually, Saul’s sin broke fellowship with God, and God allowed the evil spirit to trouble him. Again, this serves as an example of the evil consequences that come upon those guilty of sin or moral evil. The same truth is illustrated again in Saul’s case (1 Sam. 18:10). God is the author of moral law and He is also the author of consequences which follow because of the violation of that law (1 Jn. 3:4).

Not all physical disasters today such as floods, tornadoes and earthquakes are due to sin (Lk. 13:1- 5). Christians suffer in such calamities along with the wicked. Neither is it to be supposed that all suffering or affliction is the result of sin (see Jn. 9:2). In fact, Christians may suffer affliction as a means of chastisement (Heb. 12:7-9). Persecution is an example (2 Tim. 3:12). Chastisement of Christians should motivate them to greater faith. We all suffer misfortunes in life — illness, disappointments, loss of loved ones and many more, but the Christian looks forward to heaven where none of these exist. Men do often blame God for consequences which result from their moral evil.

A simple solution is not always found for the problem of evil in the world, but we do know that God does not create moral evil and we can always be assured that whatever God does is right and in harmony with His moral character (Gen. 18:25).

— Via Viewpoint from the Valley Grove church of Christ, October 9, 2022

——————–

-2-

“Wouldn’t Be Prudent”

Bryan Gibson

Prudent: 1) “…exercising sound judgment in practical matters…cautious or discreet in conduct; circumspect; not rash…” (Webster’s New World Dictionary); 2) “using good judgment to consider consequences and to act accordingly” (Encarta Online Dictionary). Synonyms: careful, cautious, discreet, wise, farsighted. Antonyms (opposites): reckless, foolish, simple, shortsighted.

Prudence became sort of a buzz word under President George H. W. Bush’s administration. “Not gonna do it, wouldn’t be prudent”—comedians would often use that line when they impersonated President Bush.

God talked about prudence, though, a long time before President Bush did; and it’s what He says that really piques my interest. Using His word, let’s look at some things it wouldn’t be prudent for us to do.

Wouldn’t be prudent to lose our cool, pop off, or fly off the handle, even when folks insult us. “Fools show their anger at once, but the prudent ignore an insult” (Proverbs 12:16, NRSV).

Wouldn’t be prudent to just talk all the time. “A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness” (Proverbs 12:23). Wouldn’t be prudent, for a number of reasons, not the least of which is the increased likelihood of sin. “In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19).

Wouldn’t be prudent, especially in religious matters, to believe everything we hear—to direct our steps by what we think may be right, although we haven’t really checked to make sure. “The simple believes every word, but the prudent considers well his steps” (Proverbs 14:15). “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits…” (1 John 4:1). What would be prudent is to make certain that what we teach and practice is the truth. “The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the folly of fools is deceit” (Proverbs 14:8). “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17).

Wouldn’t be prudent to close our ears to rebuke and correction, because we’ll just keep making the same mistakes over and over again. “A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5). “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, but he who heeds rebuke gets understanding” (Proverbs 15:32).

Wouldn’t be prudent to ignore spiritual red flags—places, people, situations that might endanger our soul. “A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished” (Proverbs 22:3).

Wouldn’t be prudent for us to take prudence too far, to be so careful that we never get anything done. “He who observes the wind will not sow, and he who regards the clouds will not reap” (Ecclesiastes 11:4). Let’s not confuse prudence with inactivity.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, June 25, 2024

——————–

-3-

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

Sword Tips #19

Joe R. Price

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

The Son of God is the Prince of Peace. Peace is made between man and God when sins are forgiven, and Jesus Christ makes that possible (read Eph. 2:14-18). Peace is the absence of conflict plus the presence of harmony. Christ removes the conflict of sin and reconciles sinners to God. Christians have peace, and love peace.

Don’t settle for a “ceasefire” with your husband, your wife, your child, your parent, your co-worker or your neighbor. Take the initiative and be a peacemaker. Act to settle the conflict and restore the harmony.

Be a child of God.

——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

June 23, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents

1) “Cleave to the Lord” (Jerry Fite)
2) Being Spiritual (Jerry Fite)
3) Guard Every Step (Andy Sochor)

——————–

-1-

“Cleave to the Lord”

Jerry Fite

Barnabas “…exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord” (Acts 11:23). God’s people always need an encourager. Barnabas effectively filled this role among brethren in the first century.

His encouraging push in Acts 11 came when the grace of God was spreading effectively to both Gentiles and Jews in Antioch (Acts 11:20). A great number of people were turning to the Lord (Acts 11:21). When he came to the city, he saw “the grace of God” for himself and was “glad” (Acts 11:23). This could have been a time to just sit back and praise God for all the converts to Christ. Why don’t we just be happy for awhile in God’s grace and think about exhorting the new converts later. This might cross the mind of some. But not Barnabas. He quickly went to work.

New converts need teaching and exhortation from the very beginning to ground them in the faith. Why? The Devil is always at work seeking whom he may devour and must be withstood by a steadfast faith (I Peter 5:8-9). No one was excluded in Barnabas’ exhortation. All needed to “cleave to the Lord.”

Different Greek words are translated “cleave” in our New Testaments. For example, a husband is to “cleave”(KOLLAO) to his wife (Matthew 19:5). The word conveys the idea of sticking like glue to convey the closeness of the relationship between the husband and the wife. Barnabas used the term PROSMENO which denotes the idea of “abiding with” the Lord.

Abiding with the Lord was not some ill-defined mission. The Christians were to heed the exhortation with “purpose of heart.” The word “purpose” (PROTHESIS) means literally to “show forth.” They were to manifest what was clearly set forth in their heart, and that was: abide with the Lord.

How many times have we pleaded, “Lord, be with me!” or, “Lord, stand by me!”? How often have we sung the song, “Abide with me,” without consciously thinking that we have the responsibility to “abide with the Lord?”

We need Barnabas’ exhortation in our day. One way that we “show forth” our heart’s desire to “abide with the Lord” is to be diligent in reading God’s Word. In daily study and meditation, we stay close to the Lord’s mind, reminding ourselves of what He approves and disapproves in our lives. With this knowledge, we make corrections, and renew an upright walk with Him in sanctifying light.

By taking to heart Barnabas’s exhortation, we refuse to allow the cares of this world to choke out the word in our hearts. We guard our hearts from the deception of riches that so easily sabotage our single-minded mission to abide with the Lord (Matthew 13:22).

God will always be with those who are submitting to His authority and carrying out His work in His way (Matthew 18:20). Therefore, we will do what He says and worship with our brethren on a consistent basis (Hebrews 10:22-25). We will carry out God’s commands in His name, for in doing so we will abide with Him, and He with us (Colossians 3:17, John 15:7). Cleave to the Lord. Its single-mindedness will free you from the impossible and disheartening task of always having to please others. Let it “show forth” and not lie buried in the heart beneath the rubbish heap of good intentions. Heed the exhortation! Cleave to the Lord, today!

— Via Glad Tidings, Volume XXIX, No. 24, June 16, 2019

——————–

-2-

Being Spiritual

Jerry Fite

Paul writes, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1). Paul is calling for Christians to come to the aid of their fellow brethren, when one is overtaken in any sin. The occasion demands someone who does not merely wear the name of Christian, but who lives in the Spirit. Paul calls for brethren “who are spiritual.”

The task of restoring a brother back to a place of usefulness demands one who is meek or humble. Such a Christian knows that he or she can be overcome by temptation and suddenly fall into sin just like the one whom currently needs restoration. Therefore, one who is spiritual is needed for the occasion because it demands one who is meek or gentle, not haughty or judgmental.

One “who is spiritual” is one who is bearing “the fruit of the Spirit.” Paul sets forth the nine facets of the single fruit of the Spirit that is manifested in the life of the Christian: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Possessing the “love” for God and His children, wanting “joy” to return to the guilty heart and the consequent “peace” with God, the one with “gentleness” seeks the mending of the fallen brother or sister.

“Being spiritual” will also occur when the Lord’s servants are engaged in correcting doctrinal error. “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth…” (2 Timothy 2:24-25). The Lord’s servant is not out to promote self, but in humility uses one’s teaching ability to correct the opposition in their ignorance of the truth. What a moment for the spiritually minded servant when the knowledge of the truth is grasped so “they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him unto his will” (2 Timothy 2:26).

One is spiritual when he or she minds the things of the Spirit in contrast to fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. Paul sets forth this distinction of the righteous: “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). Being spiritual is not something you stumble into, but a determined way of living. One is “in the Spirit” when “the Spirit of God dwells” in the Christian (cf. Romans 8:9). When the revealed teachings of the Spirit continue to abide in the heart and direct one’s life, one is being spiritual.

Manifesting “self-control” against sin is “being spiritual.” Is it not one facet of the fruit of the Spirit? (cf. Galatians 5:23). We can have the Word readily at hand to defeat the wiles of the devil (Psalms 119:11), but it will be the inward saying of no to the devil’s alluring bait that determines successful resistance. Knowing Scripture coupled with self-control will result in a fleeing Devil (cf. James 4:7).

Resisting sin ourselves, while restoring those overcome by sin characterize spiritual people. Keeping self in check when humbly correcting doctrinal error allows deceived people to free themselves from the will of the Devil. Following the lead of the Spirit through the divinely inspired Word, fills the life of the spiritual person. Being spiritual is determined by who you are and what you do, not so much as to how you feel!

— Via Glad Tidings, Vol. XXIX, No. 21, May 26, 2019

——————–

-3-

Guard Every Step

Andy Sochor

Moses was God’s faithful servant who led the Israelites out of Egypt. He dealt with opposition from Pharaoh, grumbling by the people, and difficulties of the journey.

Yet Moses was not perfect. When God told him to “speak to the rock…that it may yield its water” for the congregation (Numbers 20:8), Moses instead struck the rock with his rod and took credit for providing water for them (Numbers 20:9-11).

Because of this misstep, God told Moses that he would not bring the Israelites into the promised land (Numbers 20:12). We might think this was unfair. Surely we can sympathize with Moses as he had to deal with all of the stress and frustration of leading the Israelites through the wilderness. But none of that changed God’s decision.

We need to be careful about what we do. We could bring irreparable harm by some misdeed. In a moment of weakness, we could do something that has long-reaching negative consequences–for ourselves and others. Because of this, we must always be on the alert.

So guard every step. The devil is always looking for an opportunity to lead us into sin (1 Peter 5:8). We don’t need to give him one. Let us always be careful to do God’s will in all things.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, April 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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

June 16, 2024 / Tom Edwards

Contents

1) Reaching Forward (Jon W. Quinn)
2) Sword Tips #41 (Joe R. Price)
——————–

-1-

Reaching Forward

Jon W. Quinn

“Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Solomon said, “The end of a thing is better than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Is that the way we feel about life itself? It ought to be! And that is true even if life here is great. It may be, but faith says the life to come is better.

There are several metaphors for how we feel about life in the hymns we sing. One hymn speaks of “laying our burdens down” but another says, “I’d like to stay here longer than man’s allotted days.” Interestingly, either one may be true in a Christian’s life at different times. As a basic metaphor for life, many people choose between the following:

1. Life is a problem: it is a burden that we wish to lay down. It is a harsh ordeal through which we must go. It is a “rat race” which we so look forward to being over. Do we anticipate the end of life as merely the end of the struggle and the difficulties of this life and this world??

2. Life is an opportunity: it is a growth process. It is doable and we can be successful at it. There is a reachable goal and no righteous step we take toward it is wasted. Life’s events, good and bad, have their purpose and meaning, even when we cannot discern what they are. Do we think of life as a wonderful gift that moves us ever closer to something even better?

Which of these two perspectives we choose has a big impact on the quality of our lives. While it is easy to allow ourselves during the dark days of trial to be overwhelmed by the first perspective, it is the second perspective that the Lord would prefer we have.

The Scriptures deal much with heart and attitude. It is important because our attitude about how to approach the end of life will greatly effect how we live each day. Only when we think that no righteous effort on any dark day will be wasted will our lives take on the character and strength they ought to have. We will have the strength to “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

Our text teaches several things. Consider them, as we acknowledge that we are headed toward something worth having.

Our Goal is Worth It!

The word “goal” means “end, outcome, culmination, the purpose toward which something moves.” The Scriptures teach that the “goal” or “end result” of our being freed from sin and living as faithful disciples serving Christ is “eternal life” (Romans 6:20-23). However, the end result of a life of sin results in living free from righteousness… we get to live how we want to… free! Great! But not as great as Satan would like us to believe because the outcome is eternal death.

Our confidence that we can reach our goal keeps us reaching until we have it. We must “hold fast” to our confidence until the end (Hebrews 3:6).

Salvation is the goal of our faith (1 Peter 1:9). Peter writes, “obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.“ Understand that Christianity is a goal-oriented way of life. We must daily keep our eyes on Jesus, who also was “goal oriented” as He lived His life: “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God“ (Hebrews 12:1,2).

“Good” is not Enough When We Can Have the “Best”

By nature, we strive to grow, to make progress, to work toward goals (2 Peter 1:5-8). We need to have significant goals in the daily living of life as Christians. It is quite inadequate to have goals such as “Get up and go to church” because the Lord expects so much more of us than that.

Often our goals are not big enough – we underestimate what is possible and have too little vision or faith or commitment (Philippians 3:11-13). Many of our limitations are put there by ourselves. This is true whenever and wherever the Lord says, “I want you to do this.” And we respond “I can’t!”

At other times our goals are too general and vague. “I’m going to do better” is a worthy goal, but too vague. What will it take to “do better”? What will it take to go beyond the mediocre and excel? (2 Corinthians 13:5; James 1:4,5). Concerning my life before God as a father, mother, husband, wife, child, member of the body… Let the goals be so high that they’re impossible, because with God even the impossible becomes possible. There’s an old saying, “Aim low and you’ll hit your target.” We need to aim high and require more of ourselves, not less.

Why We Can Achieve the Best and Reach the Goal

Because Jesus, the “Beginning and the End” is the cause of our hope, we are certain of victory that comes by faith (Revelation 22:13). Because Jesus died for our reconciliation we have confidence (Colossians 1:16,17). We, in Christ, overwhelm the adversary and crush his weapons (Romans 8:1; 31-39). “If God be for us, who can be against us?” It is the Lord who says to His faithful children, “Here is your goal; I am with you; nothing is impossible for Me!”

Conclusion

Though life’s ultimate goal is reachable, and God has seen to it that we can win the victory, it is not automatic. Paul said he had not obtained it yet, but that he continued to press on so that he could. So, what is your vision? What is your life all about? What is it that you are reaching for today?

“Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14).

Based on outline by Gary Henry

— Via The Bradley Banner (from the Bradley Church of Christ), May 15, 2005

——————–

-2-

“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:18).

Sword Tips #41

Joe R. Price

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

Love is the purpose of God’s commandments: love for God and love for others. It is sad and so wrong when people think the necessity of obedience minimizes one’s love for God.

Jesus said, “if you love Me, keep My commandments”; and again, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love” (John 14:15; 15:10).

The commandments of God produce good things in your life when you obey them in faith.

First, obeying God comes from a “pure heart” toward God. Obedience is not rote performance; it is the deliberate expression of love’s purity.

Second, obedience shows a good conscience toward God. When it is trained by God’s truth, your conscience will commend you when you obey God.

Third, obeying God’s commands is the action of sincere faith. Love God today by keeping His commandments – not as a burden you must bear, but as the full expression of your faith in Him (1 John 5:3).

——————–

God’s Greatest Desire for Us

Rebels

Part of the Prophecy of the Lord’s Crucifixion

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

What Do You See?

Jesus: Our “Underwriter”

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Self-Love

Escaping Satan’s Clutches

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Psalm 63: Thirsting for God

Sword Tips #20

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“The Gospel Which Was Preached Of Me”

One with the Father and the Son

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Proud Pharisee

Misplaced Trust

Micah 6:8

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Jesus the Good Shepherd

What Does God See in Your Heart?

CONTRAST #1: PREPARED OR UNPREPARED?

CONTRAST #2: MY WAYS OR HIS WAYS?

CONTRAST #3: HARD OR TENDER?

CONTRAST #4: ALL OR HOLDING BACK?

CONTRAST #5: LIFTED UP OR LOWLY?

CONCLUSION

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

A Question About Good and Evil

“Wouldn’t Be Prudent”

Sword Tips #19

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“Cleave to the Lord”

Being Spiritual

Guard Every Step

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Reaching Forward

Our Goal is Worth It!

“Good” is not Enough When We Can Have the “Best”

Why We Can Achieve the Best and Reach the Goal

Conclusion

Sword Tips #41

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Archives by Month