Month: November 2022

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

1) “Righteousness Exalts a Nation” (Kyle Pope)
2)  When You Read The Scriptures (Johnie Edwards)
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“Righteousness Exalts a Nation”

Kyle Pope

The Bible sometimes reveals principles of general truth that do not apply in every instance. Proverbs 22:6, for example, teaches, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (NKJV). This is not a guarantee that sound teaching in childhood prevents unfaithfulness to the Lord as an adult—as Solomon, who likely penned these words, proves (see Prov. 10:1; 1 Kings 11:4). This is a general truth. In most cases, teaching our children to love and fear the Lord produces adults who remain faithful to Him.

Proverbs 14:34, from which the title of this study is drawn, is a similar example. It reads, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Does that guarantee that nations who do right will always be victorious in battle, have flourishing economies, and develop happy, healthy, and safe communities? No. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and Paul told Timothy, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). This, like Proverbs 22:6, is a general truth. When nations, communities, families, and churches practice what is right and seek to be right before God it raises them out of the chaos and turmoil of this world into an exalted condition.

General truths rely upon proper definitions. What constitutes what is right? Our world is going through a conceptual crisis of definitions. What used to be considered right and true is under attack. What used to be considered wrong and evil is flaunted and marched into the public spotlight without shame. Will such redefinitions of righteousness exalt a nation? No. The Lord warned long ago through Isaiah, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20).

What determines, then whether something is right or wrong? Do our individual feelings and opinions set the standard? The criminal thinks his actions are right. Everyone has different feelings and opinions. Is right and wrong really that subjective?

Perhaps it is cultural. Do the customs and mores of each culture determine right and wrong? Certainly, different societies and cultures develop different ideas that come to be bound upon the members of their communities by local laws or peer pressure, but history demonstrates how transitory these standards are. What is criminal at one time can become legal and approved only a few years later. Is right and wrong really something that variable?

Thankfully, the Bible offers us a much different gauge to determine righteousness. The psalmist declared of God, “all Your commandments are righteousness” (Ps. 119:172b). God has revealed His will for humanity in the inspired texts of Scripture. Paul explained, through the Holy Spirit, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, are “profitable” for “instruction in righteousness” equipping us for “every good work” then the assertion is that they serve as the true and unchanging standard of determining right and wrong.

The message of salvation and life in Christ revealed in the New Testament is often referred to as “the gospel”—a word meaning “good news.” Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” (Rom. 1:16-17). So, while “all Scripture” is inspired of God, the message of Christ contained in the New Testament now reveals “the righteousness of God”—that is, what God now defines as right and how one may now be right before Him. It is this “righteousness” in the lives of individual citizens and this “righteousness” when allowed to shape and influence civil law that will exalt a nation.

General truths often use relative terms. What does it mean to exalt something? It depends on what it is. The same Hebrew word translated “exalts” in Proverbs 14:34 is used elsewhere of bringing up children (Isa. 1:2) or the growth of trees (Ezek. 31:4-5). Does righteousness raise up a nation in that sense? Perhaps to a certain extent, but that’s not generally how we think of the exultation of a nation or of people. We noticed above that righteousness does not eliminate tribulation or persecution but can actually cause it. So, the exultation promised in Proverbs 14:34 does not guarantee a life free of trouble and hardship.

Perhaps we can compare this to a statement made by Jesus. In teaching against religious ostentation, He taught, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:11-12). How will one “be exalted” if he deliberately avoids titles and behavior that makes him and above others? On the one hand it may come from honor given by others rather than something taken upon one’s self. Jesus used similar language in a parable about one invited to a wedding who took the lowest seat and was then honored by being moved to a greater seat (Luke 14:7-11).

Jesus’s words may also address spiritual exultation. The disciple of Christ in many cases must accept self-denial and deprivation in this life in anticipation of an exalted hope in eternal life. The rich young ruler was told, “go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matt. 19:21b). The disciples were promised, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). This promises spiritual blessings “now in this time” and “in the age to come” in spite of any sacrifices or persecutions suffered in service to the Lord.

The exultation promised to the righteous nation is much the same. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10). Peter wrote, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed” (1 Pet. 3:14a). In spite of whatever suffering the righteous may face in this life, they are in a spiritually exalted condition (cf. Eph. 2:6-7). As children of God, they are honored, loved, and in fellowship with the King as they await the promise of inheriting the exalted blessing of eternal life with God in heaven.

General truths depend upon meeting specific conditions. The exultation promised in Proverbs 14:34 is contingent upon the practice and attaining of righteousness as defined by God. Man imagines that doing what is “right in his own eyes” (Judg. 17:6; 21:25) leads to happiness, justice, peace, and prosperity. That wasn’t true in the time of the judges and it isn’t true in our world today. The Holy Spirit warns, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts” (Prov. 21:2). Before the throne of God’s judgment our opinions don’t matter.

Only the righteousness of God as revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ will exalt our nation and our lives. We will never come to a time when our world as a whole embraces the gospel: “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:14). In that sense, Proverbs 14:34 is an ideal that can never be absolutely attained. Yet, righteousness as it relates to the status of a nation has never meant that every single individual lives right. It often means that the righteous minority has the courage to act. As more and more men and women today rebelliously do only what is right in their own eyes may God’s people have the courage to seek and practice the true righteousness of God. 

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 24, Issue 47 (November 20, 2022)

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When You Read The Scriptures

Johnie Edwards

Paul said, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). The Bible can be understood if we will learn how to study. A few simple rules will help us as we study.

Read the Bible knowing that it is inspired of God. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures are authoritative. Christ has all authority (Matthew 28:18).

When you read the Scriptures, ask, “Who is doing the speaking?” In Genesis 3:4 we can read, “Ye shall not  surely die.” If I know the Devil said this, then I will have no trouble understanding that this is not a true statement.

We need to know to whom the message is spoken when we read the Scriptures. Sometimes the Bible speaks to the Jews as under the Law of Moses, sometimes to the man, sometimes to the woman, sometimes to elders of the church, or the deacons. Some passages have their application in the life of the individual, like in the story of the Good Samaritan, and some to the church as a group.

One must love the truth when he reads the Scriptures. Paul said that some “perished because they received not the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Truth cannot be handled carelessly. If one loves the truth, he will study and accept the truth as it is without trying to pervert it.

When you read the Scriptures, read the context. This simply means read the passage before and after the one you are trying to understand.

Read all on a given subject. You will not understand the truth unless you read all that God has said about a given topic. For example, when you study the subject of faith, you should read every passage on the subject of faith. No passage contradicts another, but all Scriptures harmonize one with another.

John said, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).   

— Via The Beacon, November 20, 2022
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service.  We also have a Song Service at 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.)

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

1) Thankfulness (Donald R. Givens)
2) Persistence and Confidence in Prayer (Heath Rogers)
3) Big “I” (Ray Ferris)
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Thankfulness

Donald R. Givens

The words “thankful, thank, thanks, and thanksgiving” occur quite frequently in God’s Word. One can easily see the importance of this characteristic through a search of the scriptures.

Thankfulness characterizes the genuine child of God. His is a life of continual gratitude and thanksgiving. “Thanks” can be defined as: “expressing gratitude; speaking grateful language (especially as an act of adoration or worship toward God); to acknowledge praise; to revere or worship because of blessings received.”

The person who is thankful will also be kind and considerate of the feelings of others. One hates to give a gift and receive absolutely “no thanks” in return. What about all the “gifts” God has given us? We should be grateful for life, food, clothing, shelter, family, and a free land in which to worship and serve Him. Do we EXPRESS GRATITUDE for these things, or are we perhaps somewhat unthankful? Yes, many individuals receive wonderful blessings from the Lord God, but never take time from their busy lives to thank him sincerely.

Thankful

Psalm 100 is a song of thanksgiving and it admonishes “all ye lands” to “be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” (verses 1 and 4). The Father made us, sustains us, and will bless all who love Him. Jehovah is good. His loving-kindness endures forever.

Paul reminded the Colossian Christians to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15). The peace found in being obedient to Christ must RULE in our hearts. BE THANKFUL commands Paul. It is not a drudgery or unpleasant burden to give thanks, but a joy beyond measure.

Thanks

David, the inspired psalmist said in Psalm 18:49, “Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.” Children of God today, as David, must also give thanks unto the Lord, and singing praises to His glorious name is one of the best ways to thank Him. The singer of Israel also exclaimed: “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever” (Ps. 30:12).

Ingratitude is one of the darkest and most ugly of all sins. All sin is ugly, and ingratitude is universally despised. The ingrate is the one who never stops long enough nor gets far enough from his own selfishness to thank God for all His blessings which He has so bountifully poured out on His creatures. Do not be guilty of ingratitude — toward God or toward parents, friends, or other humans who have done so much for you.

Courageous Daniel, in idolatrous Babylon, against the “signed decree” still prayed to the Lord God and gave thanks. Listen to Daniel 6:10. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed; he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Even though Daniel was later thrown into the pit of lions, he suffered no harm and his faith won the victory.

In Luke 17:16 we see one leper out of ten cured returning to give thanks unto Jesus. What ungrateful wretches were those other nine. In which class are you? In which group am I?

Even our Lord Jesus gave thanks before feeding the multitudes (John 6:11). What a splendid example for us.

Eph. 5:20 commands: “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Please notice that thanks are to be given ALWAYS and for ALL things! And then Paul instructs Christians in I Thess. 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thanksgiving

An everlasting principle is found in Psalm 50:14 which says: “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High.” Paul reminded the Philippians to “be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Worry will do no good. Instead of worrying about what we do not have … be thankful for what you do have. We should be “rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:7). And “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).

This responsibility of thankfulness is not to be taken lightly nor ignored. In II Tim. 3:2 we read of some despicable sins and among them is listed ”    UNTHANKFUL.” Was Paul speaking of you?

What about bowing in prayer right now and giving thanks to the Lord God for all His goodness toward you?

— via Searching the Scriptures, Volume X, Number 10, October 1969

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Persistence and Confidence in Prayer

Heath Rogers

Some have the idea that we shouldn’t bother God with our problems. If we asked for something once, He heard us, and we should wait for His answer. Jesus did not teach us to pray in this manner.

After giving His disciples the model prayer, Jesus went on to deliver a parable showing God’s willingness to answer our prayers (Luke 11:5-8). He told of a man who went to a neighbor at midnight and asked for bread to supply an unexpected need. At first, the neighbor would not give him bread, but finally did so because of his persistence in asking.

Just as the man in this parable was persistent in his request, so should we be persistent in our prayers to God. Prayer is not like a fire extinguisher – to be used only in emergencies. God wants to hear from us often (1 Thess. 5:17).

Jesus is not teaching that God is like this grouchy man who didn’t want to help his neighbor. In fact, He is the opposite. If a tired and selfish man finally got up to meet this neighbor’s needs, how much more can we trust in God’s readiness to grant our requests?

If we will but ask, seek, and knock, we will find that God is more than willing to grant our requests (Luke 11:9-13). Jesus said God is our Father. Earthly parents are ready to provide the needs of their children. They don’t respond with harmful things (such as stones, serpents, or scorpions). Likewise, we can trust God to give us the things we need.

Praying in faith means asking with confidence that God hears us, cares, and will provide for our needs. Are you and I praying in faith? Are we persistent and confident in our prayers?

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, November 2022

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Big “I”

Ray Ferris

” . . . I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” Acts 26:29.

Perhaps many of us recognize these words as those spoken by Paul to Agrippa when he told Paul that he had almost been persuaded to become a Christian (KJV). Have we ever stopped to think of what it would require for us to be able to make the same statement that Paul made to Agrippa? It would mean much more than being just a member of the church. It would mean that I could examine the type of life that I am now living, and yet be able to say the world would be a much better place to live in, even if every other person in the world were living that same type of life! It would mean that the universal church of Christ would be more like what the Lord would have it to be, even if every other Christian lived and served the same way that I do! It would mean that the local congregation of the body where I worship would be more active and more zealous in doing that which is pleasing to the Lord, even if every other member of that congregation attended the services, gave of his money, and helped to do that which must be done just as I do. Remember, Paul said “. . . I would to God, that . . . all that hear me this day, were . . . Altogether such as I am . . . ” What a sobering thought!

But now, let us apply the thought. Are you a member of the Lord’s church? Then ask yourself this question: “If every other person in the local congregation where I am a member worshipped, labored for, and served the Lord as I do, what would this church be like?” We all think it is wonderful for the church to do very great things, but when the time comes to do, oftentimes “Big I” am not to be found.

— Via The Beacon, July 3, 2022

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. for 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.)

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

1) Kingdom Growth (Mark 4:26-29) (William C. Sexton)
2) Truth and Error: How to Tell the Difference (Steve Klein)
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Kingdom Growth

(Mark 4:26-29)

William C. Sexton

A parable of the Lord which is peculiar to Mark’s gospel is that of the seed! We would do well, if we would look carefully at this parable relative to the growth of God’s kingdom. Let us think on two levels! how the individual is gained for the rule of Christ and how the ruled people work to build up a group who will submit to His Rule!

Jesus said,

“So is the kingdom of God, as if a man cast seed into the ground; and should sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately he putteth in the sickle, because the harvest is come” (Mk. 4:26-29).

There are a number of significant points made in this parable, which we should be conscious of as we operate under the authority of Christ. We should observe these principles as we seek to grow, as well as observe them as we seek to help others to enter and develop in the kingdom of God.

1. Seed is essential to provide kingdom-citizens! This fact is stated clearly in many places and it is illustrated here, as parables illustrate principles established elsewhere.

Man may sow seed, but the germ of life resides within the seed, producing after its kind. One will never sow one kind of seed and reap fruit of another kind; the plant is determined by the seed. The seed of the kingdom is the word of God (Lk. 8:11). Therefore, the seed is indispensable, if kingdom-citizens are to be made.

Many people fail to accept this principle, thinking that God operates independently of His revealed word. However, just as surely as night follows day, one will not find a Christian where the seed, the word of God, has not been planted.  Let us be aware of this fact and see the implications of it. (1) If we wish to grow, as citizens in the kingdom, we must have planted in our mind the word of God. (2) If we wish to gain others and bring them into the kingdom, we must be careful and sure to present to them the pure seed, unmixed with our ideology, etc.

2. Mystery in the Seed. None of us can explain why a seed placed in the ground, provided proper moisture, conditions, etc. will in time sprout, spring forth in a plant. However, we have all observed that such is the case. God, the Creator, has placed the life in the seed. Such is the way things are! We have no plants which are not so produced.

The principles that are operative in the plant and animal kingdom are also operating here. We need to see that such is true, and conclude “no planting, no harvest.” The kind of seed planted will determine the kind of fruit that can be expected, if indeed fruit is produced. The Word of God produces faith (Rom. 10:17; Jn. 20:30-31). Faith produces movement to obey the words, the requirements set forth therein (Rom. 6:16-18; Heb. 5:8-9). Repentance is a demand of “all” men everywhere (Acts 17:30-31). Confession is produced by the person whose faith leads him to repent, because Jesus points to the necessity of such (Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10). Baptism is the last of these steps in one’s movement toward salvation in Christ, which bring about the establishment of the relationship (Rom. 6:3-4).

Why such things are required, man does not know, except as we observe what happened in the New Testament (Acts 2:22-41; Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). We see that these are acts produced by the word working in the heart of persons. Christ promises that sin is forgiven at this point. Faith moves one to so act. What about you, friend? Have you allowed the seed to enter the ground (your heart)? Has it produced the plant (baptized person by faith)? Are you growing?

3. The progress is orderly! First the blade, then the ear, and finally the grain is produced. One will not become a citizen of the Kingdom, except in an orderly fashion: Seed planted, time to germinate, plant springing up — one coming in faith, obeying, because he understands that such is required of God.

Likewise, growth doesn’t just happen! People begin to put off the old man and put on the new man. Daily, one has to consciously watch his language (Eph. 4:29), do that which is good (Eph. 4:28), and put away all unclean behavior. He has to allow Christ to be the example (1 Pet. 2:21-25).

One will not find himself automatically doing all that should be done or automatically leaving undone the inappropriate. Instead, one will find that he is missing the mark. Immediately, confession, repentance and prayer to God is in order (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9). Moving on, growing by study and practice (Heb. 5:11-6:1ff) is essential for the kingdom-citizen.

4. Congregational Development. Just as the growth of kingdom-citizens is orderly and gradual, so is the growth of a congregation of those citizens in a community. The citizen must meet regularly, with the God-ordained practices of worship, teaching the pure word of God, and encouraging godly living. Such must take advantage of the many methods of evangelism available to them. Individually and collectively a demonstration must be made of the power in the gospel message to change peoples’ lives.

The faithful must be consistently patient, ever standing for the right and opposed to the wrong! Honesty must characterize them — individually and collectively. Spirituality must be “first” in the order of business in the life of the individual and the group in all that they do. Fruit isn’t reaped the next day after the planting takes place. Cultivation, watering, and waiting are all necessary to produce the fruit (1 Cor. 3:6-10).

Each group, that is under the headship of Christ, will take care of its own inter-group functioning, according to God’s instruction. Then they will reach out with the gospel message to others. Many groups go astray today because they reach out with something other than the seed. When the fruits are ready for picking, the taste has changed, because another seed was sown. Beloved, a congregation of God’s people has to get its life from Christ. His blood flows only to those who are connected by way of having been born into that family and then continued by correcting the faults in which one finds himself involved (Acts 8:22; 1 Jn. 1:9). A congregation which offers fellowship on any basis other than that approved by Christ through His word, is sowing seed other than that of the kingdom of God.

Beloved, all growth is not healthy, desirable, and God-approved. Are we mindful of these principles of growth set forth by the Master in this parable? Let us be careful observers, faithful practitioners, optimistic activists involved in the growth of the kingdom of God on both the personal, as well as the group, level. The results will be eternal in duration and spiritual in nature.

— via Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 7, pp. 209-210 April 5, 1984   https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume28/GOT028116.html

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Truth and Error: How to Tell the Difference

Steve Klein

We learn about a thing by experiencing it. Babies learn sweet from sour, hot from cold, and wet from dry by experiencing these things. Even so, we learn spiritual truth by experiencing it in God’s word, which is truth (John 17:17). Our use of God’s word enables us to readily distinguish between truth and error. Haddon Robinson relates the following story that illustrates this point:

A Chinese boy who wanted to learn about jade went to study with a talented old teacher. This gentleman put a piece of the stone into the youth’s hand and told him to hold it tight. Then he began to talk of philosophy, men, women, the sun, and almost everything under it. After an hour he took back the stone and sent the boy home. The procedure was repeated for weeks. The boy became frustrated — when would he be told about jade? — but he was too polite to interrupt his venerable teacher. Then one day when the old man put a stone into his hands, the boy cried out instantly, “That’s not jade!” (Biblical Preaching, p. 102).

In Hebrews 5:12-14, the inspired writer is addressing Christians who were not mature enough to tell the difference between right and wrong. He admonishes them with these words:

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

There are two words in the text that shed much light on our current topic. The first is the word “unskilled” and it means “inexperienced.” The Hebrew Christians had not progressed and developed because they did not have enough experience in the word. As a result, they were like children who cannot discern right from left; they were spiritual babes who could not tell right from wrong. The second word to consider is the word “exercised.” It comes from the Greek word “gymnazo” from which we get our word “gymnasium” — the place where athletes practice and train. Those who regularly use God’s word have their senses trained to “discern both good and evil.”

Why is it that some brethren don’t seem to be able to identify obvious error when they hear it? Why are so many Christians bogged down in their spiritual lives by moral relativism and compromises with the world? Can we not tell the difference between good and evil? Could the root of the problem be that we have had no meaningful experience with the “word of righteousness”?

My friends, may we this day resolve to hold God’s word in our hearts — to study it, meditate on it, and practice it — so that when we’re given something else we will be able to simply exclaim, “That’s not truth!”

— Via The Beacon, July 3, 2022

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

2) Believe in the deity of Jesus Christ (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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).  This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:27). And 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. For the one being baptized does so “through faith in the working of God” (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to…

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes, 10 a.m. Worship
Every First Sunday of the Month: 5 p.m. Congregational Song Service

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

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

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

1) Seeing God within Me (Kyle Pope)
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-1-

Seeing God within Me

Kyle Pope

In 1983, actress Shirley MacLaine authored a book entitled Out on a Limb (New York: Bantam Books, 1983). Five years later, on January 18 and 19 of 1987, the book was adapted to a two-part, five-hour television mini-series of the same title which was broadcast on ABC. The book and mini-series portrayed MacLaine’s personal spiritual journey to accept a mix of Eastern religious beliefs and extraterrestrial mysticism that came to be known as the “New Age Movement.” At a pivotal moment in the mini-series, MacLaine (playing herself) sits on a beach with one of her spiritual advisors (played by actor John Heard) who urges her to recognize that all things are a part of God—a core belief of Hinduism. The two eventually stand, with arms outspread shouting to the sea, “I am God!,” “I am God!”

While I absolutely reject New Age concepts such as this that argue that all souls have a “God-Force” within them that must simply be unleashed, as the title of this study suggests, I would like to explore the Biblical sense in which each of us should realize the importance of allowing others to see God within us.

The God of the Bible

Ultimately, all sound concepts about God must be drawn from the Bible. “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23b, NKJV). So, it cannot be that we simply tap into an inner “God-Force.” Yes, the God of the Bible is said to “fill heaven and earth” (Jer. 23:24), but that is not because He is all things (the doctrine known as pantheism). Instead, it is because He sees and sustains all things—“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good” (Prov. 15:3). The God of the Bible is transcendent, that is, “existing apart from and not subject to the limitations of the material universe” (New Oxford American Dictionary). What may be known of God is available to us because, “the LORD revealed Himself” (1 Sam. 3:21), to the inspired writers of Scripture. Thus, the Bible has, “given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him” (2 Pet. 1:3). Through it we may, “be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). That doesn’t mean we know every conceivable thing about God. He tells us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts” because, “as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts” (Isa. 55:8-9). God has given us all we need, but we must learn to be content in the recognition that, “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever” (Deut. 29:29).

“Some Do Not Have the Knowledge of God”

While the Bible is the true source of what may be known about God, as Paul acknowledged, “some do not have the knowledge of God” (1 Cor. 15:34). So, how will they ever “come to the knowledge of the truth” (1Tim. 2:4; 2 Tim. 3:7)? Many hymnals include the beautiful song written by Annie Johnson Flint, entitled “The World’s Bible.” Its second stanza reads:

We are the only Bible
The careless world will read;
We are the sinner’s Gospel,
We are the scoffer’s creed;
We are the Lord’s last message,
Given in deed and word;
What if the type is crooked?
What if the print is blurred?

What Flint writes about the Bible may apply equally to God Himself. God does not personally reveal Himself today, as He did to inspired writers in the past. For some, before they ever even look to the pages of Scripture the concepts they form about God will be drawn from what they see in the lives of Christians. Consider how this can happen.

Children. A child learns about God from what he or she is taught by parents, grandparents, and teachers. Simple truths, such as “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16) or “God is faithful” (1 Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2 Cor. 1:18) will be etched into children’s hearts and minds by what they see in us about love and faithfulness.

Our Spouse. Whether both husband and wife come from backgrounds of faith, one is new to faith, or one has no faith, there are few relationships that have more impact on our spiritual welfare than our relationship with our spouse. Although we should strive to be “heirs together of the grace of life” (1 Pet. 3:7) or that even if one does “not obey the word” the other “may be won by the conduct” of the other (1 Pet. 3:1), what my spouse sees in me can shape concepts about God and a willingness to be faithful to Him.

Neighbors and Co-Workers. People are always watching us. They know we are Christians and they see just how true we are to our faith. God’s nature doesn’t change when we are hypocrites, dishonest, immodest, or unkind, but all too often what others see in us shapes what they think about God. This is surely why an elder is to be a man who has “a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil” (1 Tim. 3:7). Wives are to obey their husbands, “that the word of God may not be blasphemed” (Titus 2:5). When people speak against God’s word they are speaking against Him. Believers generally are commanded to, “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time” (Col. 4:5).

Unbelievers. When Paul instructed the Corinthians about the proper use of spiritual gifts, he emphasized the need to guard their actions because of what it could communicate to the “uninformed or unbelievers.” Improper action could lead them to think Christians are out of their minds.  Proper action could lead them to recognize “God is truly among you” (1 Cor. 14:23-25). Like children, our behavior can shape what others think about God.

Fellow Christians. Concerning the impact that sin and falsehood can have on other believers, Paul warned, “a little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Cor. 5:6; Gal. 5:9). Again, one person’s wrongdoing doesn’t change who God is, but sadly, as our brothers and sisters look at us they often either grow in their love for God and confidence in His word, or start to ask themselves, “What’s the point in serving God?” “Why should I stay faithful?” What they see of God living (or not living) in us can influence their own concepts of accountability to Him.

“God’s Fellow Workers”

In Shirley MacLaine’s miniseries, she first demonstrated a resistance to saying, “I am God,” feeling it would be arrogant or delusional to say such presumptuous words. Her hesitation was fitting. It is arrogant and delusional to imagine that we are God. Although we are His offspring (Acts 17:28-29) and bear His image (Gen. 1:26-27) we are not God! What was said of the Egyptians is true of all of us, we “are men, and not God” (Isa. 31:3).

Is it then equally arrogant and delusional to imagine that what others see in us can shape their own concepts about God? Well, perhaps if we allowed it to stop there. When Paul and Barnabas were in Lystra, when the residents imagined that they were gods, they at once declared, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them” (Acts 14:15). They used that as an opportunity to explain to the people the truth about the true and “living God.” I am not suggesting that we encourage others to shape their concepts of God on us. Instead, I am challenging us to recognize that our actions can help move people closer to the knowledge of the God revealed in Scripture, or move them further away from ever even considering Him.

The Bible teaches that as we obey Him, we participate in His work. Paul told the Corinthians “we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Cor. 3:9). Christians are “fellow workers for the kingdom of God” (Col. 4:11). As Christians, while we have no innate “God-Force” within us, God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are said to dwell within us (John 14:23; Rom. 8:9). We are led by His Spirit as we set our minds on the “things of the Spirit” (Rom. 8:5)—i.e., the things revealed in Scripture. His word “effectively works” in those who believe (1 Thess. 2:13). We strive to be “imitators of God” (Eph. 5:1), recognizing that His power works within us in ways beyond our understanding unto His glory (Eph. 3:20-21). We are “workers together with Him” (2 Cor. 6:1). This leaves no place for arrogance or delusion. In doing His will we realize, “it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13). Like Paul, our attitude must be, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Gal. 2:20a). In this spirit, may each of us work diligently to allow the world to see a sound picture of God within the hearts and lives of each of us.

— via Faithful Sayings, Volume 24, Issue 43 (October 23, 2022)  

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service.  We also have a Song Service at 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.)