Month: August 2023

“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) I Am Resolved: To Submit (Phillip E. Stuckey)
2) Sword Tips #11 (Joe R. Price)
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I Am Resolved: To Submit

Phillip E. Stuckey

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Synopsis: God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit all expect believers to exhibit a spirit of submission in relationships in this life—in our families, toward government, in the workplace, and especially in the church.
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You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling (Ps. 2:9-11, ESV).

When it comes to our faith in Christ, many things about the gospel appeal to us. The mutual love, honesty, commitment, comfort, and encouragement that we get from one another sounds good to most people—but what about submission? This is something that children of God must do to be pleasing to God (Jas. 4:7; Eph. 5:21).

This concept is difficult for many to accept. Many people, even Christians, have a disdain for authority. They struggle with being told what they must do. Why should the Christian resolve to be submissive in his life, and what does a life of submission in service to God look like?

Submission to God

Long ago, Pharaoh asked, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?” (Exod. 5:2). This same question is asked by many today, if not in words, then by the way they live. Every human being should submit to the authority of Almighty God.

God the Father, as Creator of all things, has the right to govern our lives (Rev. 4:11). He needs nothing from us, yet He graciously gives us all things. He pours out His love on all of creation, providing life and sustenance to all. He does this for all, whether we are good or evil (Matt. 5:45). Above all, He graciously offered His Son as a sacrifice for mankind to save us from our sins (John 3:16; Rom. 5:6-8). He has given us His word that tells us how to live and serve Him and how to enjoy the best life possible, both now and in eternity (Deut. 6:24; Jer. 32:39; 1 John 5:3). Even though He has the right to demand our obedience, He graciously allows us to choose whether we will or will not submit to Him. However, since we read in Scripture of His great power, might, and wrath as well as His goodness and severity, would it not be wise and prudent to willingly submit to Him now before it is too late (Matt. 10:28; Jas. 4:7; Rom. 2:1-11)?

Not only should we be submissive to God the Father, but we should be submissive to Jesus Christ. As the Lamb of God and Savior of all mankind, He is worthy of our obedience. He laid down His life for us, and we should lay down our lives in service to Him (2 Cor. 5:14-15). Even though He was with God, Jesus humbled Himself in obedience to the Father’s will (Luke 22:42; Heb. 5:7-8). Because of His submission to the Father’s will, God the Father has made Him King of kings and Lord of lords (Matt. 28:18; Rev. 17:14; 19:16). Like the Father, the Son does not force anyone to submit to Him but gently entreats each of us to surrender ourselves to His will (Matt. 11:28-30). Since we read in Scripture that He has also been given the authority to judge us, would it not be wise to submit to His will before it is too late (John 12:48; Acts 17:30-31)?

Submission to God also involves the Holy Spirit. When Jesus returned to the Father, He sent the Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth and to reveal the New Covenant unto man (John 16:12-13; 1 Cor. 2:10-13). Because of His gracious work, we know what sin is, we have learned the way of salvation and truth, and we know the wonders of God and the Lord’s love for us (John 16:8-11). His work brings the Christian comfort and peace as we fight the good fight of faith (Rom. 8:14-17). Why would we grieve or anger Him by refusing to yield to His teaching (Heb. 10:28-29; Eph. 4:30; 1 Thess. 5:19)?

Because of the Godhead’s power, might, grace, love, mercy, and wrath, the Christian and all humanity should live a life in submission to God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Submission in the Church

Our submission to God should lead us to have a spirit of submission when it comes to our life in the church. After all, the Lord purchased the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). For this reason, when it comes to the work, worship, and organization of the church, she must yield to the rule of Christ (Eph. 5:24; Col. 1:18).

What does a life of submission in His church mean? First and foremost, it means submitting to the Word, the will of Christ, in all we do (Jas. 1:22-25; Col. 3:17). Regardless of our feelings, opinions, or beliefs about how the church should function, Christ’s word is more important. He knows what is best for us both in our individual lives and our life together as His body.

It also means that we must learn to submit to one another (Eph. 5:21; 1 Cor. 16:15-16). Instead of being selfish and insisting on our way, we should yield to one another out of respect for Christ and in imitation of His example (Phil. 2:3-8). Our Lord was willing to lay down His life for us; therefore, we should be willing to do the same for one another (1 John 3:16; 4:11-17). Can you imagine what your local church would be like if everyone submitted like Jesus?

Submission in the church also means submitting to those whom the Spirit has qualified to watch over our souls (Heb. 13:17; 1 Tim. 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9). Such men are not serving themselves, but the church on behalf of the Chief Shepherd, who is Christ (1 Pet. 5:1-5). Instead of being willful and defiant, we should esteem, respect, and yield to those who imitate and follow the Lord and perform the work of shepherding the flock (1 Thess. 5:12-13).

Submission in the church is a part of God’s plan to help the body grow to maturity (Eph. 4:11-16). Defiance and division in the church are unwise and perilous (1 Cor. 3:16-17). Through reverence to God and Christ, we should submit to one another in the church (Eph. 5:21; cf. Rom. 15:1-7).

Submission in All of Life

Our submission to God not only affects our relationships in the church, but it should permeate our entire lives.

In the home, the Christian must exhibit a spirit of submission. Wives should submit to their husbands (Eph. 5:22-24; Col. 3:18). Children should submit to their parents (Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20). The younger should submit to the older (1 Pet. 5:5; Titus 2:1-5). God also expects those who are in authority to lovingly lead and serve those under their care without abusing their authority (Eph. 5:25-33; 6:4).

In the workplace, the Christian must exhibit this same spirit of submission (Eph. 6:5-9; Col. 3:22-24). Even when it comes to the government, as long as we are expected not to violate God’s word, the Christian must submit to those who rule over them (1 Pet. 2:13-14; Rom. 13:1). Out of love and respect for God, the Christian must live a life of submission (Col. 3:17).

Conclusion

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all expect Christians to exhibit a spirit of submission in relationships in this life—family, government, workplace, and especially in the church. God is our loving Father and Creator who knows what is best for us (Heb. 12:9). Who are we to challenge Him or refuse Him (2 Chron. 20:6; Rom. 9:20)? Resolve not to be puffed up with arrogance, but to lovingly trust His judgment and submit to Him in all things before it is too late (Luke 14:31-33).

Author Bio: Phillip has worked with Robison Street church of Christ in Edna, TX for over four years. He and his wife, Beth, have three children. The church website is ednachurchofchrist.org. He can be reached at philstuckey@gmail.com.

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

https://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2019/2019-01-jan/08_Monthly_Theme_Lesson_04.htm

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

Sword Tips #11

Joe R. Price

Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. (Psalm 107:21-22)

Thanksgiving is a national holiday assigned to pause from our daily routine to remember the Almighty as the giver of all good gifts and to thank him for his blessings on our nation.

Oh, that this nation would return to having a heart of thanksgiving! The gospel of Christ teaches us to give thanks in everything and at all times (1 Thess. 5:18). We know every day must be a day when we lift our voices heavenward and thank God for his goodness and his great works.

God’s goodness is absolute, and his works are wondrous! His redemptive work to save sinners in Christ Jesus, His Son, astonishes us and humbles us. Oh, what great blessings God’s goodness bestows on us!

Be thankful that God is good and rejoice in his great works. And tomorrow, do it all again. Let us honor our God with joyful thanksgiving every day.

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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.   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).
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Contents:

1) Jesus, the Compassionate High Priest (Daniel H. King, Sr.)
2) Hebrews 4:14-16 (NASB)
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Jesus, the Compassionate High Priest

Daniel H. King, Sr.

Synopsis: Down through history, countless men served as Jewish high priests—offering gifts and sacrifices, serving as intermediaries on behalf of the people. Jesus, our Great High Priest, excels them all.
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Introduction

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews stressed the overshadowing of the old covenant by the new in several well-planned and carefully orchestrated ways. The special position of the legal system (the Torah), its central shrine (the Temple), and its personnel (the priesthood), with its central figure (the kohēn gadōl, i.e., the high priest), the author argued, must give place to a different and superior reality under the aegis of the Messiah, Jesus. “If that first covenant had been faultless, then would no place have been sought for a second,” he wrote (8:7). This position is forcefully advanced throughout the letter, suggesting that every aspect of the old Jewish system had been displaced by the work of Christ on the cross (cf. 9:11-28).

Early in his discussion, the author emphasized the High priesthood of Jesus, in comparison with that old order of things, saying, “Wherefore it behooved him in all things to be made like unto his brethren, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted” (2:17-18). The word translated “succor” in this context is boētheō which means “to aid or relieve; to help or succor.” The context suggests that this aid and relief is given, especially in times of trial or temptation.

In the verses that follow, he urged his readers to “consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, even Jesus” (3:1). Clearly, the high priesthood of Jesus is a significant element of his overall argument in the epistle. Throughout his further elucidation of this theme, he makes the following important points about that One whom he designates “our compassionate High Priest”:

Merciful

He was a merciful High Priest. This feature of His character is introduced at 2:17, but is emphasized at 4:15, which says, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” For our part, this is perhaps the most critical aspect of the Lord’s priesthood, for it shows why the incarnation was central to the divine plan for human redemption. Christ was made flesh so that He could serve as a High Priest who understood the human condition and showed mercy to repentant sinners.

Faithful

He was a faithful High Priest. His faithfulness is stressed in 2:17. The author follows up on this notion in 3:5-6, noting how much more so He was, even than the great man Moses. No doubt, people of that time would have compared the transcendent figure of the flawless Christ, Jesus, to the extremely flawed high priests who served in the Jerusalem sanctuary. Caiaphas and his son-in-law, Annas (or Ananus ben Ananus; Hebrew: chanan, meaning “merciful” or “gracious”), were two men mentioned in the gospels. This unfortunate name for Annas may even have helped to cement the appropriateness of the term to describe Jesus, for it was common to refer to that Jewish high priest as a “viper” rather than a merciful man, despite his name.

Successful

As a High Priest, He was successful in an unprecedented way. The deliverance from sins, which His ministry affords, is without limitation. He is able “to save to the uttermost” those who draw near to God through Him (7:25). Previous priesthoods were limited by their human aspect—occupied by mere men, restricted by the limitations of their humanity, and often troubled by their faults and foibles. Jesus was not so, and His priesthood was not thus bounded. The saving power of His ministry had no precedent, only shadowy figures to presage it.

Eternal

He was a “for ever” High Priest. Previous human priests were limited by lifespan. Most died in office and were succeeded by sons or other relatives. Jesus abides a priest forever by the power of an endless life: “He abideth for ever” (7:17-24). Previous priesthoods brought great change to the community owing to the change in nature of the man involved. The high priest might be a good man, but he also might be a bad man. He might be greedy and self-serving. He might be quite immoral. Thus, with the changing of leaders, there was an accompanying change of atmosphere and climate in the religious circumstances of Israel. With Jesus as High Priest, however, all of that changed. Because His is an eternal priesthood, it is also an “unchangeable” one (7:24).

Holy

He was a High Priest who was holy, guileless, undefiled, and separated from sinners. All of these words are descriptive of a singular aspect of His nature. Each of these picturesque terms is employed to describe Him in Hebrews 7:26. They mean that He was pious and consecrated to God, that He was harmless or free from evil in His own being, that He was not defiled by stain contracted from others (temptation left no trace of evil in him). He was distinct from those who have themselves committed transgression, and thus need to be cleansed themselves for them to be in a position to purge the dross from other souls. Simply put, He was not personally a participant in any disobedience to God. Therefore, He was worthy to be, not only the High Priest proffering the sacrifice for human sin, but the offering itself, the sacrifice! He “through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish unto God” (9:14). How efficacious was this offering? The writer proclaims, “We have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (10:10). Such a thing had never happened before, and it will never happen again. Furthermore, there is no need for it to be repeated (contra the “sacrifice of the Mass”).

Exalted

He was a High Priest made higher than the heavens. So the writer declares in 7:26b. Why so? Because, as it is further explained elsewhere (4:14), He “passed through” or “passed into the heavens.” So, the Gospel of Mark concludes with the words, “So then, the Lord Jesus, after He had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.” This was unprecedented. High Priests never sat down in the Temple complex. There were no seats as furniture within that holy place, nor was a need for them. In that former sanctuary, there was always more work to be done. They went inside to offer sacrifices, and when they had finished for the time, they left until it was needful for them to go there again to offer other sacrifices. There were always new sacrifices to offer under the law. Jesus offered one sacrifice and was finished. The Bible says He “sat down.” This was so because His work was complete, His sacrifice was singular and sufficient. “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified” (10:14); and, “when He had offered one sacrifice for ever, (He) sat down at the right hand of God” (10:12; 1:3; 8:1; 12:2).

Eternally Perfected

He was a High Priest who was eternally perfected. In 7:28, the author opined that human priests throughout history had all received appointment to their ministry, “having infirmity,” (or “in their weakness”), that is to say, imperfect in their humanity in all respects. Jesus, on the other hand, presented Himself as “a Son perfected forevermore” (huion eis ton aiōna teteleiōmenon). He had been made perfect for His sacrificial work by the things which He suffered (2:10; 5:9).

Conclusion

The high priests under the old covenant were inferior in every way, therefore, to our “great priest,” Jesus, “having a great priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith. . .” (10:21). Here is the point: Our High Priest has performed all of His functions with flawless perfection. Now it is time for us to do our part. Rather than pulling away or drawing back, we must draw closer to God. After all, that is what He did in order to make possible (Heb. 7:19; Jas. 4:8).

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume 65, No. 2, February 2021

https://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2021/2021-02-feb/08_Monthly_Theme_Lesson_04.htm

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Hebrews 4:14-16

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

– NASB

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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.   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).
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Contents:

1) I Am Resolved: To Study (David Dann)
2) Sword Tips #31 (Joe R. Price)
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I Am Resolved: To Study

David Dann

Synopsis: David challenges each of us: “Will you make up your mind to search the Scriptures daily so that you can become what God would have you to be?”
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The psalmist writes, “The works of the Lord are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them” (Ps. 111:2). Our English word “study” is defined as: “to read in detail especially with the intention of learning” (Merriam-Webster). More than just reading, study involves properly understanding and learning from what you read. It may require looking up the definitions of words that appear in the text, pausing to define concepts, asking questions, and finding the right answers to those questions as we read a passage.

True study of God’s word involves reading, pondering, and seeking to understand and apply what we’ve read (Ps. 119:148). Ezra studied the Scriptures so that he would be prepared to do the will of God and help others to do the will of God (Ezra 7:10). Excuses for failing to follow Ezra’s example range from, “I don’t have time,” to, “I always forget to do it,” to, “I just don’t like to read.” Please consider the following reasons as to why we must put away such excuses and resolve to make personal Bible study a daily habit.

It Will Increase Your Knowledge

The apostle Peter wrote to those who had already become Christians, saying, “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” (2 Pet. 1:5). Peter also exhorts Christians to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (3:18). The only way we can grow and increase in spiritual knowledge is by taking the word of God into our hearts and minds, and the only way we can know the truth is to abide in the Lord’s word (John 8:31-32). We are constantly bombarded with lies about religious matters, morality, and man’s origin, along with the lie that there is no such thing as absolute truth, and that all beliefs need to be treated as though they have equal value. How will you know what to believe and what to follow?

God’s word is truth (John 17:17). Spending time in God’s word will keep us from having our thinking shaped by false teachers, deceivers, and godless philosophers. When Paul preached to the Bereans, the Bible says, “These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Each of us needs to search the Scriptures daily so that we know the truth and so that we can see the difference between truth and error.

It Will Spiritually Strengthen You

Paul writes that his prayer to God for the Ephesian Christians was “that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16). We can be strengthened and built up in the inner man by taking God’s word into our minds and hearts (Acts 20:32). God’s word is able to build up and strengthen us so that we remain faithful to the Lord; yet, for this strengthening to take place, we have to read, study, and apply it. It is important to be reminded that only the faithful will be rewarded with a home in heaven (Rev. 2:10). Since the temptation to turn back from following the Lord or to engage in sin is always present, the study of God’s word is needed to defeat the fiery darts of the devil. Along these lines, the psalmist spoke to God, saying, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!” (Ps. 119:11). Each of us needs to study the Scriptures daily so that we can be strengthened to overcome in the battle against temptation, sin, and error.

It Will Help You to Grow

In his letter to the saints in Rome, Paul writes, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17). Our faith grows as we read, study, and apply God’s word in our lives. Peter instructs Christians to “desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Pet. 2:2). A Christian who lacks desire for the word of God is one who is spiritually dying. The Lord maintains a relationship with those who put forth the effort to learn and follow His word (John 14:23-24). If you want God to draw near to you, then you need to spend time drawing near to Him by reading and learning from His word (Jas. 4:7). Each of us needs to study the Scriptures daily so that we can develop a deeper faith and a closer relationship with God.

It Will Equip You to Serve

The life of a Christian is a life of service to the King of kings in which we do those things that are pleasing to Him. Paul instructed Titus, saying, “This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men” (Titus 3:8). We are to constantly serve the Lord by maintaining the good works in our lives that God would have us to do. How do we know what those good works are? Paul writes, “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). We can know what kind of work the church should collectively perform and we can know what kinds of works that we, as individuals, are responsible for carrying out in our lives because the Scriptures provide that information for us. Each of us needs to study the Scriptures daily so that we will be equipped to do those things that are pleasing to God.

It Will Enable You to Teach Others

Jesus instructed His apostles following His resurrection, saying, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16). Nothing in this world is more important than receiving forgiveness of sins from the Lord and becoming one of His people. One of the basic problems with bringing the lost to salvation is that you can only teach someone else that which you already know yourself. Paul instructed Timothy, saying, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15). Just like Timothy, we will need to put forth the effort to study and learn the word of God ourselves so that we will be equipped for the work of teaching others. You can’t give someone a Bible answer if you don’t know what the Bible says. How many opportunities to help lost souls come to salvation have been squandered because we didn’t study and prepare ourselves to teach others? Each of us needs to study the Scriptures daily to enable ourselves to bring lost souls out of darkness and into the light of the Lord.

Conclusion

The psalmist spoke to God, saying, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105). By studying and applying God’s word, we can know that we are following the right path in life. If we ignore our need for Bible study, then we will stumble in the darkness and follow the path the world has set before us. May we resolve to study the Scriptures daily so that we can please the Lord.

Sources

“Study.” Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/study.

Author Bio: David has been working with the Hebron Lane church of Christ in Shepherdsville, KY since 2016. He and his wife, Cynthia, have been blessed with six children. The church website is hebronlane.com. He can be reached at ddann1@hotmail.com.

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

https://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2019/2019-01-jan/08_Monthly_Theme_Lesson_03.htm

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

Sword Tips #31

Joe R. Price

“Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.” (Psalm 62:8)

One of the magnificent qualities of God is his complete trustworthiness. He is always present to hear and to respond in love to cries of help from his people.

God hears and answers the prayers of his children. Do not hesitate to pour out your heart to the Lord; He is a “very present help in trouble” (Psa. 46:1).

Whatever storm you face today, put your faith in him.

He will never leave you or forsake you.
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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.   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.)