“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).
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Contents:
1) Satire Versus Sarcasm (R.J. Evans)
2) Everyone Counts (Greg Gwin)
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Satire Versus Sarcasm
R.J. Evans
“We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored” (1 Cor. 4:10).
Satire can be a very effective method of teaching when dealing with the errors and shortcomings of others. The main purpose of the satirist is to mock the faults of others in a witty, ironic way so that they might benefit from it. Satire can be found in every type of literature throughout all the ages. There are instances when satire is used in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments (1 Kgs. 18:27; 1 Cor. 4:7-10).
In defining satire, the word “sarcasm” appears. Certainly, in one sense, a satire is simply the use of sarcasm. But, there can also be a difference in the usages of the two. Sarcasm often involves a cutting, hostile, or contemptuous remark; the use of caustic or ironic language. We might consider the use of sarcasm as it has to do with the one who continually replies to another with a biting or cutting remark. When this is the case, the person who is being sarcastic is not really trying to help others—he is simply putting them down in an effort to further inflate his own ego. Usually, the results are that the person who is cut down by the sarcastic remark becomes hostile by what has been said to him, as well as becoming indignant toward the person who is being sarcastic. Nothing beneficial is accomplished by this! Proverbs 15:1 comes to mind – “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
We may use satire when it is motivated by an attitude of love and helpfulness, and be very effective. But we must guard against using sarcasm in a hurtful, rude, obnoxious manner. The latter should not characterize the child of God. We are to have hearts that are filled with compassion towards others. “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous” (1 Pet. 3:8).
We must have a disposition of kindness toward one another (Eph. 4:32), with love being the reigning principle in our lives (1 Cor. 13). The next time we make some sarcastic remark to another, we should ask ourselves, Did I say that in love with the intention of helping that person, or was I trying to get in a “little dig,” or was I just trying to be “cute”? “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).
The Apostle Paul tells Christians to “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph. 4:29). May we all seek to use words that are fitly spoken. “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Prov. 25:11).
— via the bulletin of the Southside church of Christ, Gonzales, LA, November 13, 2017
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Everyone Counts!
Greg Gwin
Our country accomplished some incredible things during the hard trials of World War II. The feats of brave men and women who faced the enemy on the battlefields inspires us. But there is also amazing historical data that documents the amount of war materials and supplies that were produced in relatively short periods of time right here on the home front. With limited resources that sometimes required rationing, and without the advantages of the technology we now enjoy, the nation’s “war machine” turned out essential equipment at a staggering pace. How was this done?
The key to this effort was a campaign to convince every single worker of his or her importance to the ultimate goal of defeating the enemy and winning the war. The leaders of our country successfully persuaded everyone to work hard, make sacrifices and contribute what they could to this end. The results were amazing. Against huge odds, the victory was won.
We are in another sort of a war. There are no tanks, planes, bombs or missiles. We do not need workers preparing bullets or medical supplies. There’s no need for rationing of gasoline or other necessary products. Instead, we are in a spiritual war (2 Cor. 10:3,4). We battle against a very real and powerful enemy (1 Peter 5:8).
To win this war, we definitely need every Christian fully engaged. Everyone counts! We cannot afford to have some of our vital workers slacking off in their duties. We must all “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:3). Diligent effort, significant sacrifice, and determined commitment to the cause are essential. Every Christian serves in a critical capacity (Eph. 4:15,16).
Some might suggest that the odds against us are overwhelming. But in truth, with God on our side, the enemy is doomed! As Elisha told his fearful servant: “Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16).
— Via the bulletin of the Collegevue church of Christ, Columbia, Tennessee, January 14, 2018
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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 Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (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 services: 9:00 a.m. (Bible class); 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (worship)
Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Bible class)
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (Older version of Gospel Observer website without pictures, but back to March 1990)
http://tebeaustreetchurchofchrist.org/
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