“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) Reflections on Psalm 2: The Son Rules (Joe R. Price)
——————–

-1-

Reflections on Psalm 2: The Son Rules

Joe R. Price

Synopsis: The divine proclamation of God’s Son as His Anointed King prompts Christians to remain loyal to Christ when earthly rulers dishonor Him by denying His rule.
——————–

Introduction

In unstable times, saints of God should recall settled veracities:

I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter’s vessel” (Ps. 2:7-9, NKJV).

America has just passed through a tumultuous election cycle. At this writing, some outcomes are facing unresolved court challenges. Citizens experience uncertainty, doubt, disappointment, and discouragement. What will come from our next leaders? Whose rule will prevail from sea to shining sea: The President? The Congress? The Supreme Court? We, the people? The Bible assures us that regardless of who rules earthly kingdoms, Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords, and He rules over the kings of the earth (1 Tim. 6:15; cf. Matt. 28:18; Rev. 1:5).

Also, at this writing, we continue to pass through the throes of the Covid-19 virus. Death tolls continue to rise. Hospitals are nearing capacity. Measures are mandated to stop the spread and lessen its impact. Businesses, livelihoods, families, and churches have not been spared. False points of friction occur between the rule of civil government and the rule of God. Christians and churches face the challenge of deciding what to render to Caesar and what to render to God (Luke 20:20-26). Faithless rulers and lawless citizens will continue to test our resolve to “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

When seas of doubt churn and toss nations with doubt, discouragement, and dread, God’s sovereignty over the nations by His Christ assures and secures our faith. God “rules in the kingdoms of men,” and mortals do not overthrow His purposes (Dan. 4:25, 32, 34-35). Divine Providence protects and preserves the righteous through momentary trials and tears. Our hope in the promises of God in Christ anchors our souls (Ps. 37:25; Matt. 6:25-34; Heb. 6:16-20).

God’s Anointed King Is His Son

Psalm 2 confirms our faith in God’s abiding care and the rule of His Christ while we face the rising challenges of secularism, humanism, skepticism, and atheism, both in the USA and around the world. This Messianic psalm is a prophetic call to the nations anticipating the rule of God’s Anointed. God’s Anointed King is none other than His Son, to whom God would give the nations for an inheritance (vv. 2, 6-8). Although opposed and rejected by Gentiles and Jews, God’s purposes prevail, gloriously fulfilled in the exaltation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (vv. 6-9). Earthly rulers are warned of divine wrath if they fail to honor the Son and trust the Lord God (vv. 10-12). Neither Gentile rulers nor Jewish leaders would prevent God from crowning His Son as King (Acts 4:23-28). Ruling in righteousness, the Son blesses those who honor and trust Him while punishing the wicked.

Psalm 2 paints a portrait of Christ as King on God’s “holy hill of Zion” (v. 6). The resurrection of Jesus and His subsequent ascension and exaltation at God’s right hand fulfilled this prophetic pronouncement (Dan. 7:13-14; Eph. 1:20-23). Today, Jesus, the Son of God, rules as “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36).

The expectation of a future earthly kingdom corrupts the nature of the King and His kingdom (Luke 17:20-21; John 18:36; Col. 1:13-14). This false doctrine necessarily rejects the fulfillment of Psalm 2 that is announced in the gospel by the resurrection and ascended exaltation of Jesus. Either Jesus rules as King today in fulfillment of Psalm 2, or He does not. If Jesus is King now, then earthly kingdom expectations are false (Mark 9:1). If Jesus is not yet King, then Psalm 2 remains unfulfilled. However, such a conclusion means that the multiple New Testament declarations stating this psalm’s fulfillment in Christ are false (Acts 4:25-28; 13:32-33; Heb. 1:5; 5:5).

Psalm 2:7-9 prophetically announces the Son of God’s rule as King. The New Testament fulfillment of this psalm assures our faith and strengthens our resolve to steadfastly serve Christ, confident that the Son continues to reign in these troublesome times.

God’s Son Rules Today as King

God Declared the Rule of His Son by Raising Him from the Dead (v. 7).

Another psalm records the Lord’s determination that His Son would rule amid His enemies (Ps. 110:1-2). To rule is to “have dominion, prevail against, reign” (Strong, 7287). Ruling power implies rank and the exercise of authority due to that rank. The rule of God’s Christ rests on the fact that He is God’s Son. He has been given power and might to command, enforce, and judge humanity (Matt. 28:18; John 5:26-27).

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the day when God definitively declared that Jesus is His Son (v. 7). God’s decree is acknowledged by His Anointed, “Today I have begotten you” and fulfilled when Jesus was raised from the dead. With His resurrection, Jesus was brought forth by God, “declared to be the Son of God with power. . . by the resurrection from the dead” (Rom. 1:4). The resurrection of Jesus convincingly and conclusively fulfilled Psalm 2:7 (Acts 13:32-33).

God Gave His Son Rule over the Nations and Possession of the Entire Earth (v. 8).

Christ’s resurrection identified Him as the Son of God, the King, who received the nations as His inheritance. His ascension and exaltation at God’s right hand secured His authority as King. By God’s mighty power,

He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all (Eph. 1:20-23).

The righteous rule of Christ comforts those who willingly serve Him in the day of His power (Ps. 110:3). Christians persevere through life’s trials and uncertainties, knowing that, come what may, Christ’s throne prevails and endures (Heb. 1:8-13). He rules over the affairs of nations (Acts 17:24-26), sin and death (Acts 13:32-39; 1 Cor. 15:24-26, 54-57), and the house of God, the church (Heb. 5:5; Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18). Our trust in Him is not in vain.

God Gave His Son the Authority to Bless Righteousness and to Judge Evil (v. 9).

Jesus has been given “all authority” over “all flesh” both to provide eternal life and to execute eternal punishment (Matt. 28:18; John 17:2-3; 5:21-23). Every benevolent ruler and every despot, every unbiased judge and every partial jurist—all are under (and answer to) the authority of Jesus Christ, the King.

Behold the severity of God against those who rebel against His Son. The King will break them with the rod of divine wrath like one breaks pottery (v. 9). Consider this description of the “King of kings and Lord of lords” in the book of Revelation, as “in righteousness, He judges and makes war” against His enemies: “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Rev. 19:11, 15). Psalm 2:9 is the prophetic anticipation that God’s King is powerful to judge the wicked and defeat every foe. Anticipating the King’s just wrath is a proper and adequate incentive to honor Him (Ps. 2:10-12; Rom. 2:1-6).

Conclusion

God anointed and brought forth His Son to be King over the nations. Resurrected from the dead, Jesus is exalted on David’s throne at God’s right hand as “Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:30-36). By the word of the gospel, Jesus Christ gives eternal life to the righteous and brings judgment upon the wicked (John 12:48-50; 5:28-29). Praise God that His King is exalted on high!

Sources

Strong, James. A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.

—  Via Truth Magazine, Volume 65, No. 1, January 2021

https://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2021/2021-01-jan/08_Monthly_Theme_Lesson_04.htm

——————–

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 Classesand 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.)

“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) I Am Resolved: To Serve (Allen Dvorak)
2) Sword Tips #28 (Joe R. Price)
——————–

-1-

I Am Resolved: To Serve

Allen Dvorak

Synopsis: Serving others is required for greatness in the kingdom and involves selflessness, sacrifice, and humility.

During His public ministry, Jesus taught His chosen disciples many things about being citizens of the coming kingdom, but it seems that they had difficulty with one basic concept—the nature of greatness in the kingdom.

On one occasion, Jesus and the twelve passed through Galilee from the mount of transfiguration to the city of Capernaum. On the way, the twelve argued among themselves. When they reached the house in Capernaum, Jesus asked them about the subject of their discussion. Perhaps embarrassed, they didn’t answer because they had been arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom (Mark 9:33-37). Jesus answered their question for them: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (v. 35). It is probable that His answer surprised them!

However, that wasn’t the end of the matter. As Jesus traveled to Jerusalem with His disciples for the last time, the mother of James and John brought her two sons to Jesus and requested a favor from Him. She wanted her sons to sit closest to Him, on His right hand, and His left hand, in the kingdom, i.e., she wanted her sons to have positions of honor in the coming kingdom (Matt. 20:20-28). When the other ten apostles heard of the request, they were indignant with James and John who were apparently behind their mother’s request. Likely, the other apostles were upset that the sons of Zebedee had “beaten them to the punch!” Mark’s parallel account shows that Jesus used the occasion to emphasize to the apostles how their relationship to one another was to differ from the way that “the rulers of the Gentiles” lorded it over their citizens. “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43-44). In that way, they would be like their Master who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (v. 45).

During the passion week, Jesus pronounced several woes against the scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 23). He described them as loving the attention of others and seeking honor for themselves. In contrast, Jesus instructed the disciples not to seek titles/accolades that elevated them above their fellows. He said, “The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” (vv. 11-12).

A few days later, Jesus observed the Passover with His apostles on the night of His betrayal. In the previous weeks, Jesus had informed the apostles of the events soon to transpire—His betrayal to the Jewish leaders, His death at the hands of the Gentiles and His subsequent resurrection (Matt. 20:17-19). The mood at the supper appears to have been somber. Jesus informed the apostles that one of them would betray Him (Luke 22:14-23). It is amazing that, in these circumstances, the apostles once again disputed among themselves “as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Luke 22:24)!

John’s gospel doesn’t record this Passover observance, but tells the story of Jesus washing the apostles’ feet on that same night (John 13). The apostles’ surprise at His action is seen in Peter’s initial refusal to allow his feet to be washed (v. 8). That was a task usually reserved for servants or slaves—not appropriate for the Master! I suspect that Jesus’ actions were prompted by the continuing competition among the apostles to be considered the “greatest” in the kingdom. When He had finished washing their feet, Jesus said to them,

Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him (John 13:12-16, ESV).

It certainly seems that the apostles were slow to learn the lesson of greatness in the kingdom. Yet, perhaps we shouldn’t judge them too harshly; it seems that disciples today sometimes have trouble with the same principle. In the business world, the person who climbs the corporate ladder to a position of authority over many people is considered a success. Although we definitely can find public examples of people who serve others, common opinion in our culture is that serving someone else is humiliating or degrading. “I want to be served, not to serve.” In contrast, as kingdom citizens, we need to use what God has given us to serve others, “as good stewards of God’s varied grace” (1 Peter 4:10, ESV).

Serving Involves Selflessness

Every moment of time, every ounce of energy, every cent spent in the service of another is just that much that cannot be spent on oneself. Those committed to serving others have decided to put the needs of others before their own. I am not suggesting that disciples must neglect themselves, but Paul (the Holy Spirit!) said it well, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4).

The planned evening at home may end up being a visit to the hospital or taking food to someone who is sick. A Saturday off from work may turn into a day of work for someone unable to do yard work. A shopping trip may have to be postponed in order to babysit the young children of a harried mother, or one who is sick. Instead of several relaxing hours at one’s favorite hobby, it may be that a troubled marriage needs immediate help in the form of counsel.

Serving Involves Sacrifice

Serving others is often inconvenient. It doesn’t just cut into the time, energy and money that we might expend upon ourselves, but we often have to “extend” ourselves. In the scene of the final judgment pictured by Jesus, the “sheep” are commended for having provided food, drink, hospitality and clothing to the Lord and for having visited Him when sick and in prison (Matt. 25:31-36). Providing for the physical needs of others consumes time and assets. We must remember, however, that when we serve others, we are also serving the Lord (vv. 37-40).

Serving Involves Humility

Someone has said that the most difficult instrument to play in the orchestra is second fiddle. Everyone wants to be “first chair” (just like the apostles during Jesus’ public ministry). Yet, service to others means accepting the role of a servant. Because the proud man finds it difficult to serve others, the Scriptures often link the concepts of service and humility (e.g., Phil. 2:3-8; Matt. 23:11-12). Jesus “emptied himself” and took the form of a servant to provide salvation for mankind.

These three facts about serving others also apply to our service to God; serving one another is simply one aspect of our service to Him. Let us be resolved to serve one another. There are innumerable ways that we can show our love for others by serving them. If it becomes known that we are willing to serve, it may not be necessary to look for opportunities; opportunities will find us!

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume 63, No. 1, January 2019

https://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2019/2019-01-jan/08_Monthly_Theme_Lesson_01.htm

Author Bio: Allen has worked with the Kelly Spring Road congregation in Harvest, AL for twelve years. He and his wife, Debbie, have two married sons and four wonderful grandchildren. The church website is spreadingtruth.org. He can be reached at allen.dvorak@reagan.com.

——————–

-2-

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

Sword Tips #28

Joe R. Price

“Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Christians anticipate their opportunity to worship together. Worshiping God is the first thing to consider when planning your Sunday, not the last.

Assembling together to worship not only serves the purpose of honoring God with our prayers and praise, it also gives us an opportunity to encourage one another to remain faithful and true to the Lord.

How will you spend your time this Lord’s day?

Set the habit of worshiping God.

You will be encouraged, and you will encourage your brethren.

——————–

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.)

“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) Reflections on Psalm 2: The Lord Responds (Warren Berkley)
2) Sword Tips #10 (Joe R. Price)
——————–

-1-

Reflections on Psalm 2: The Lord Responds

Warren Berkley

Synopsis: God’s people can be confident that no enemy or enemies of God will ever defeat or destroy any purpose or plan of God.

Introduction

As already observed, this royal psalm depicts the enmity and rebellion against His God that David knew was part of his world. Yet, he knew something else. The uproar of nations and arrogant despots never threatens the Lord, nor can it ever obstruct His plans. While evil men confer, consult and conspire, here is heaven’s response:

He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. Then He will speak to them in His wrath, and terrify them in His fury, saying, “As for me, I have set My King on Zion, my holy hill” (Ps. 2:4-6).

This had wonderful meaning for David. He knew “his” throne would someday be occupied by the Messiah (2 Sam. 7:13; Jer. 33:17; Acts 2:29-35). He recognized that this would come to pass without any concern that the vain plotting of men on earth would stop the coronation.

Indeed history confirmed that neither punishment of Messiah nor death kept God from fulfilling His promise. As it turned out, the plans and plots of evil men were used by God to accomplish His purpose: On the day of Pentecost, Peter declared that Jesus was “delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God.” The apostle affirmed that this Jesus, crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men, God has raised! (cf. Acts 2:22-24). Thus, David’s “heart was glad,” assured that the evil devised against God’s coronation of Christ would not only not succeed, but God would use their plan for His purpose.

Divine Laughter

“He who sits in the heavens laughs.” When this is first read, it may seem odd. We associate laughter with humor or pleasure. There is ample evidence in human history of this physiological response, where mind and body contract spontaneously to something festive or comedic, typically with vocal expression. There is also a darker side to laughter, i.e., a maniacal excitement of evil intended or accomplished.

Divine laughter doesn’t fit either of these two categories. It isn’t merely a response to humor and certainly is not expressive of some evil intent. Rather, it is the writer’s way of telling us that God isn’t worried about the threats of His enemies on earth, singular or in league.

History confirms this. God’s plan was not defeated by the tower of Babel. Pharaoh wasn’t able to keep the descendants of Abraham in bondage. The Assyrians and Babylonians could not hinder God in any way; instead, He used them for His purposes. Seeking to preserve his power, King Herod sought to kill the Christ child. Yet, after Herod died, the family of Jesus came out of Egypt and settled in Nazareth. Likewise, as mentioned above, God’s plan was not defeated but carried out by those who crucified Christ.

Consider the following quotations by Dale Ralph Davis and G. Campbell Morgan:

God is not fazed! The mighty politicians, the dictators in their military fatigues, the terrorists with their bomb loads strapped to their backs—God is unimpressed. If you have imbibed a western sentimental view of God as the great soupy softie in the sky, then you will not understand this picture of verse 4. In fact, it will likely ‘offend’ you. But the psalm implies that nations may strut out their nuclear bombs—it only convulses the Almighty in laughter! To think that a few swaggering sovereigns could destroy God’s kingdom with such trifles! After you hear the kings in verse 3, you need to see this picture of the laughing God in verse 4 in order to get refocused on the truth (Davis).

This derisive laughter of God is the comfort of all those who love righteousness. It is the laughter of the might of holiness; it is the laughter of the strength of love. God does not exult over the sufferings of sinning men. He does hold in derision all the proud boastings and violence of such as seek to prevent His accomplishment of His will (Morgan).

Divine Vocal & Active Wrath

“He will speak to them in His wrath and terrify them in His fury.” With us, wrath may be felt but not expressed (in some cases, this is necessary in administering proper discipline or showing forbearance [cf. Jas. 1:19). God, too, can “relent” or hold back (cf. Joel 2:13). However, in this context—of rebellious men who plot against God—His wrath is vocal and active. His wrath was vocal on this page (in this passage), as the Lord is responding. His words and actions carry the just intent to “terrify them in His fury.” This is that element of fearing God that each believer should recognize: “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31). We are blessed to know this about God, as was David.

Divine Affirmation

The schemers and rebels needed to hear this: “As for Me, I have set My King on Zion, My holy hill.” This carries the force of “this is what I will do. You cannot stop me. No matter the energy or numbers or power you think you have, My King will reign on Zion!” This conveys the absolute certainty of God’s innate power and His response to those who challenge Him.

This text was not only meaningful to David and those of his time; it became the “go-to” passage for early Christians who were suffering persecution. When Peter and John were threatened and as they prayed together about the difficulty, they referred to this psalm (Acts 4:23-31). To believe in the rule of Christ is one thing. To live under His authority is the point! Those who so live have the consolation announced in the second psalm.

Conclusion

What is so strongly expressed here has likely become one of our texts of consolation in 2020. Preachers have mounted pulpits with this Psalm open. Bible class teachers have postponed scheduled lessons to plug this passage into the curriculum. Men have prayed this psalm. Livestreams have broadcast that Christ is King. World leaders, revolutionaries, and dictators who stand against the Lord may not be listening to this or reading the Psalms. God’s people continue to rejoice in the Lord, knowing, singing, and thanking God—that those who are at variance with God, though they seem destined to win, will ultimately hear Him speak in His wrath. In closing, consider another quote from Dale Ralph Davis:

So you live in a world that hates. But you lift your eyes and see the throne that consoles. I rather like the way the Jerusalem Bible translates verse 4a: ‘The One whose throne is in heaven sits laughing.’ It is the same message as in Revelation 4: there is a throne—and One who is sitting upon it. Keep your eyes there. Sometimes that’s all that will keep you sane (Davis).

Sources

Davis, Dale Ralph. Way of the Righteous in the Muck of Life. Kindle Edition. Christian Focus Publications, 2010.

Morgan, G. Campbell. Searchlights from the Word: Being 1188 Sermon-Suggestions, One from Every Chapter in the Bible. Fleming H. Revell, 1926.

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume 65, No. 1, January 2021

https://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2021/2021-01-jan/08_Monthly_Theme_Lesson_03.htm
——————–

-2-

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

Sword Tips #10

Joe R. Price

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord my strength and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14)

We’ve all heard, “you are what you eat.” In a very real sense, we are what we think. Solomon said a man is what he thinks in his heart (Prov. 23:7). The Lord Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things” (Matt. 12:35). We speak what is in our heart. Period.

Begin to make a deliberate effort to think about what you are thinking. Think on things that are true, noble, just, pure, lovely and commendable (Phil. 4:8). By thinking on such things your words will reflect godliness and righteousness.

Meditate on what is right and speak what is good.

This is acceptable in the sight of God, our Redeemer.

——————–

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 Classesand 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.)

“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) “New Creation” (Kyle Pope)
——————–

-1-

“New Creation”

Kyle Pope

Often, whenever a child is born the event is so moving it affects many who hear about it far beyond just those related to the child. The knowledge of a new life can regenerate even the most bitter and cynical heart. There is something about a new birth that reminds us of our own days of youth and innocence. This is true not only of physical birth, but spiritual birth as well. It is a joyous thing when a sinner turns from the darkness of sin, putting faith in Christ, to have his or her sins washed away in baptism by the blood of Christ. Sometimes brethren who may have felt discouraged or downhearted can have their spirits lifted by seeing a new soul brought to the Lord. The encouragement and innocence of a new life in Christ can cause the gloom and darkness of burdens we carry to fade far from view. Let’s consider a few questions about such times of spiritual birth.

I. What Really Happens? Those who witness a person being baptized into Christ know well enough what can be seen with the eyes. The person repents of past sins (Acts 3:19). In the presence of those around the person, confession is made of faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God (Rom.10:8-10). This culminates in immersion in water for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). Yet, beyond what the eyes can see, the Bible teaches that some other very important things happen spiritually. Paul told the Ephesians that apart from the grace of God that comes through Christ, all accountable souls are dead in a spiritual sense. Because of God’s love, “even when we were dead in trespasses,” through obedience to the gospel He “made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved” (Eph. 2:5, NKJV). This grace is not extended to us because of our works of merit. Paul affirms it is, “not of works lest anyone should boast” (Eph. 2:9). It is Christ’s blood that merits salvation. When a sinner turns to Christ in obedience to the gospel, the mercy and grace of God revives them spiritually. The soul spiritually dead and separated from God because of sin, lives again in a reconciled relationship to God. Paul told the Corinthians “all things are of God who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ” (2 Cor. 5:18).

Another important thing also happens. Paul taught the Christians in Galatia, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:26-27). In baptism a person does not join some denomination, instead he or she puts on Christ. There are several ways in which this may be understood. First, through baptism we are said to be united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Paul explained to the Colossians that we are “buried with Him in baptism, in which you were raised with Him through faith in the working of God” (Colossians 2:12). He told the Romans, that in baptism we have been “united together in the likeness of His death” granting us hope that one day we may be united together“in the likeness of His resurrection” (Rom. 6:5). Second, we put on Christ in the relationship we share with others who are in Christ. After the preaching on the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit tells us “those who gladly received his word were baptized” resulting in the fact that “about three thousand souls were added to them” (Acts 2:41). These disciples, are identified as “the church” in the verses that follow (Acts 2:47, KJV, NKJV; 5:11; 8:1). In the New Testament the church is identified as Christ’s body (Eph. 1:22-23). When one is baptized into Christ, the Lord adds him or her to that group identified as Christ’s body in this world, which must be understood as another sense in which the new convert is said to put on Christ.

Another change unseen to the eyes that takes place in obedience to the gospel concerns the soul. Peter spoke of Christians having “purified your souls in obeying the truth” (1 Pet. 1:22). He described this as one being “born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible” (1 Pet. 1:23). A soul who turns to Jesus Christ in true faith and obedience not only dies, but is spiritually reborn unto a new life. Paul, once again in speaking of baptism explains that in it “our old man was crucified with Him” (i.e. Christ) “that the body of sin might be done away with” (Rom. 6:6). When the old self is done away with, a new life begins. Paul told the Corinthians, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all thing have become new” (2 Cor. 5:17). No matter what may have plagued our life in the past, the new convert has the promise that in conversion to Christ “all things have become new.”

II. When Is This Fully Realized? Our world thrives on trying to change things. We either want to redefine things that have been clearly revealed, or consider something complete when it is only partially fulfilled. So it is with spiritual birth. Millions of souls have been convinced that this “new creation” is complete at a stage long before the babe has come out of the womb (so to speak). In physical birth life begins at conception, but a child is not said to have been born until it opens the womb, the cord is cut, and the baby boy or girl starts to breathe on its own. We would find it strange indeed if a mother and father spoke of a child still growing in the womb as if it had already been born. In Paul’s words to the Galatians he did not stop with the words, “you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus”—he went on to describe when they became sons of God—“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:26-27). Paul himself was not born again when he first spoke of Jesus as “Lord” (Acts 9:5; 22:8; 26:15), but after Ananias told him, “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).

This is not to say that our world does not go through the motions of things it calls baptism. Our world immerses babies long before they are even capable of belief. Jesus said “he who believes and is baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). Our world sprinkles or pours infants and adults and calls it baptism. When both Jesus and the Ethiopian eunuch were baptized they went down into the water and came up out of the water (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:9-10; Acts 8:38-39). New Testament baptism was always a complete immersion. Still others in our world are baptized long after they are told by religious leaders that they are “saved” in order to join a denomination, or as “an act of obedience.” The Bible teaches that baptism is part of salvation. Peter said clearly, “baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience–through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21, NASB). New Testament baptism was not to join a denomination, and baptism for a purpose not taught in the New Testament is not obedience.

So what must one do if he or she has faith but was not baptized into Christ? What must one do if he or she was baptized but at the wrong time, for the wrong reason, or in an unscriptural manner? Thankfully, the New Testament addresses this very problem. When Paul came to Ephesus he encountered some who had followed John the Baptist. John had prepared the Jews for the coming of Jesus. The disciples Paul met in Ephesus didn’t yet know about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul explained to them, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus” (Acts 19:4a). These disciples had been baptized, but not into Christ (Acts 19:3). So what were they to do? The Holy Spirit tells us, “when they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 19:5). One must be baptized for the right reason, and at the proper stage of accountability to be born again into Christ.

III. What Happens Next? Far too often, even within the church, it may be that brethren work hard to baptize a soul into Christ, then we leave the new convert like a fish floundering on the shore. A new convert must grow and be encouraged. Simply dunking a person in water means nothing if he or she does not continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord” (2 Pet. 3:18). Peter speaks of new Christians as “new born babes” who should “desire the pure milk of the word that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). Being a Christian involves a process of maturity. Peter lays out a good blueprint for this process of maturation in his second epistle. He speaks of building upon one’s faith knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love (2 Peter 1:5-7), warning that if we fail to do this we are “short-sighted, even to blindness” having forgotten that we were purged from old sins (2 Pet. 1:9). The Hebrew writer speaks of this as growing in order to have our “senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14).

Beyond just remembering the importance of growth we must also keep in mind the danger of falling. As appealing as it might be to believe that once a person obeys the truth he or she is eternally secure, the Bible does not teach that. Yes, if we remain within the grace of God by walking in the light (1 John 1:7) and appealing to Him for forgiveness when we sin (1 John 1:9), God will forgive. If we, however, choose to reject His grace and return to the world, there are some fearful warnings that are given to us. The Hebrew writer warns, “If we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Heb. 10:26). Such a person has “trampled the Son of God underfoot” and “counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace” (Heb. 10:29). Christians who would do this “crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame” (Heb. 6:6). The new convert is reconciled to God, but he must remain faithful to the Lord to continue in this relationship.

Finally, although the babe in Christ must grow and remain faithful, Christians can always have the assurance that they are never alone. Jesus promised His disciples that He would be with them until the very “end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). For the believer, there is the promise of peace and comfort from God through prayer (Phil. 4:6-7). Paul spoke to the Romans of the comfort we receive from the Scriptures as we look to its examples and instructions (Rom. 15:4). But also, the fellowship we share with those of common faith is one way God helps us. The Hebrew writer urges us, “Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:24-25).  May we who are Christians strive to remember who we are in Christ, what truly happened in our conversion, and what that challenges us to be from this point forward, looking unto the goal of our faith—an eternal home in heaven with God.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 25, Issue 8 (February 19, 2023)

——————–

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.)

“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 Joyous People and Their Guarded Hearts, Philippians 4:4-7 (Warren E. Berkley)
——————–

-1-

God’s Joyous People and Their Guarded Hearts

Philippians 4:4-7

Warren E. Berkley

“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus,” Phil. 4:4-7.

When we come to an expression like this, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” it is necessary for us to give this joy a very specific and biblical definition.

There is a big difference between earthly happiness and spiritual joy. Earthly happiness is produced and maintained by events, by things, by experiences, often involving money and moods and materialism. Spiritual joy is a product of one’s good relationship with God through Christ and is constant (so long as faith is active). Earthly happiness fluctuates greatly as things happen or do not happen.

You can be broke and in jail yet “rejoice in the Lord.” Paul did not enjoy good living conditions when he wrote these words. He was in chains and most certainly, a condemned man in the eyes of the Roman authorities. But, because of the activity of his faith in Christ, there was a constant joy he had. And he urges every Christian to have it.

This word “rejoice” cannot be understood properly if you equate this with earthly happiness. Earthly happiness depends on circumstances that change daily. This spiritual joy is a product of one’s faith in Christ, and this joy can endure changing earthly circumstances. It is that constant hopeful, peaceful, joyful state of mind – knowing that even when things here on earth are against you, God is for you – and you, by faith in Christ, are firmly attached to Him. If you don’t have this joy – it is time to examine your faith, your depth of trust and your obedience to God. It is time to plow deeper, take more time to be holy, spend more time in prayer and Bible study and make serious effort toward consistent application of Bible truth every day.

Do you see what this is about? This spiritual joy doesn’t mean you will never suffer grief or be disappointed or be sad. It means – these temporary emotions will not defeat you or hinder you from serving the Lord.

Sometimes – the one thing you know for certain is, God loves you and you are doing your best to obey Him. You don’t know if you will be flush with cash or broke. You may have good health today – but don’t know what will happen to your body tomorrow. Your relationships may all be solid and stable today – but torn by conflict tomorrow.

But the one thing you know is – God loves you and you are doing your best to obey Him. It was that knowledge that enabled Paul to rejoice while in jail under threat of death – and that knowledge, he was now writing: “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I will say, rejoice!”

Verse 5: “Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”

In various translations the word is, “gentleness …forbearance…moderation.” Now take a moment and think about what you would associate with these words: Gentleness, Forbearance, Moderation. Maybe it will help to think of the opposite: Harsh, Impatient, Imposing. So this is a call to be gracious, patient, showing forbearance or moderation, even though your outward circumstances may be far less than satisfactory. This is the composure of the one who rejoices in the Lord. This is the thought and emotional discipline that will be visible and known among those who rejoice in the Lord.

“I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ – I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away!” (2 Cor. 10:1)

If you need help with this – just keep reading into verse 6: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Now here is a current problem we know about.

Anxious about finances? Things are broke you can’t afford to fix; will you continue to have a job; what’s happening in the economy; what about retirement? We are anxious about health – especially as we grow older, we may wonder if we will have cancer or Alzheimer’s, or be disabled. We worry about our children and grandchildren. Will they turn out OK? Will they avoid the temptations of our age? Will they marry a good person? Will they have a happy home? We worry about the neighborhood, the church, the nation and our friends.

As Christians, we must learn to identify anxiety, and then learn to apply what God’s Word says to handle it. This may be harder for some people, but this is absolutely true. As Christians, we must learn to identify anxiety, and then learn to apply what God’s Word says, to handle it.

Now this says, “Be Anxious For Nothing!” This may be one of those statements in the Bible we read and we don’t just jump on board right away. We may try to figure some way to take the edge off of it, or give it some interpretation that makes it easier to digest. I’m not going to give you any help in that. “Be anxious for nothing.” That’s what it says to you, and that’s what it says to me, as hard as it may be to accept.

In the NIV: “Do not be anxious about anything.” If you are living right, in the Lord, and rejoicing in the Lord, and letting your gentleness be evident to all men . . . there is nothing that should drive you crazy! Maybe this will help.

This word “anxiety” means – excessive care that distracts. The Bible doesn’t say – don’t care about anything, or don’t worry about anything. But when that care reaches a point, where you are paralyzed and distracted from doing your duties in life – you need to stop that! You stop it, by seeing the anxiety as unreasonable – and re-establishing or strengthening your trust in God.

“Be Anxious For Nothing.” And it may also help to remember, Jesus made it clear – in His sermon on the mount – anxiety stems from a lack of faith and from a wrong focus on the things of this world, instead of the things of the Kingdom. (See Matt. 6:25-34, especially verses 30 & 33.)

To deal with anxiety – with excessive care that distracts us from good living – ONE, recognize it as excessive. TWO, trust in God. THREE, remember that worry accomplishes nothing. That third point is directly from the words of Jesus in Matt. 6. He said, “Do not worry.” And He said, “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”

If I’m wrong in what I’ve said about this – you can certainly challenge me – but when we have that conversation or email, we will have to have the Bible open to this passage – and talk about what it says and means. (I’m at w_berkley@yahoo.com.)

Now back to verse 6 in Phil. 4. It would be one thing for Paul to say, “Be anxious for nothing,” and end that with a period. He doesn’t do that. After telling us what we should not do. He tells us what we should do.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”

What if I gave you this paraphrase: Don’t worry yourself to death … pray! Would that be a fair statement of what this teaches? It sounds so utterly simple, and should be something that each of us know about through experience.

Do you have a free hour? You can use that hour to either worry or pray. Which would be the better use of the hour? Of course, prayer would be better. Try that. And in these prayers we pray – three things should be present, captured by three words in verse 6: Supplication, Thanksgiving & Requests.

So, let me put this together. If you are excessively concerned . . . if worry is keeping you up at night, and keeping you from your responsibilities during the day, and just driving you crazy – Recognize that problem. Re-commit yourself to trust in God. And take that time you spend fretting, and pray – including in those prayers, confessions of your need; gratitude, and asking God to help . . . always trusting, He will respond wisely to His people.

Got it?

“Do you think we should pray about the little things in our lives, or just the big things?” My answer would be – everything in your life that bothers you and distracts you, is big to God. Give it to Him.

There is another critical part of this. Right in the middle of this text, there is a statement that may seem to be almost parenthetical – at the end of verse 5, “The Lord is at hand.” This is about the presence of God in the lives of His people. The closer we move to Him, the better we are able to cope. “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” (Jas. 4:8).

Scripture teaches we should obey the Gospel and hold God close and follow the teaching of Christ, so that in time of trial, God is already there – and I’m saying, if He is already in your life, He will move closer to you when you are crushed, oppressed or opposed.

That’s the idea here in Phil. 4:5, “The Lord is at hand.” This is not about the Lord coming soon. This is not about the end of the world, or the second coming at all.

This is about God’s nearness to His people, especially when His people are under pressure, anxious, worried and feel defeated by their earthly conditions and moving closer to the Lord. If you have a right view of God and a right relationship with God before those wrenching periods of difficulty – God’s presence in the trial will be real, helpful, and perfectly dependable.

So, let me conclude with these two thoughts we can take with us:

ONE, it is urgent – to form a close, personal relationship with God now . . . before you find yourself broken under the difficulties of life on earth.

TWO, it is urgent – if you are being crushed and worn down by stress now . . . to turn to God, repent of neglecting Him . . .

Let your requests be made known to Him, and put Him first from now on. When life is hard – God is your perfect and best equipped helper. And here’s what you receive: “…the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” That “will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Interested?

– Via Expository Files 18.9; August 2011
——————–

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.)