Month: June 2024

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

Hoyt Houchen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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“Wouldn’t Be Prudent”

Bryan Gibson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sword Tips #19                      

Joe R. Price

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

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

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

Be a child of God.

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

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“Cleave to the Lord”

Jerry Fite

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Being Spiritual

Jerry Fite

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Guard Every Step

Andy Sochor

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

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

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

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

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

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, April 2024

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

Jon W. Quinn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our Goal is Worth It!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why We Can Achieve the Best and Reach the Goal

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

Conclusion

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

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

Based on outline by Gary Henry

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

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

Sword Tips #41                          

Joe R. Price

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

——————–

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) The “Hallelujah” Psalms (Jerry Fite)
2) If I Knew I Were Going to Die Tomorrow, What Would I Tell My Children Today? (Bryan Gibson)
3) Sword Tips #18 (Joe R. Price)
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The “Hallelujah” Psalms

Jerry Fite

God deserves praise from all His creation. Throughout the Old Testament Psalms, such a point is driven home. But Psalms 113-118 form a special grouping called the “Hallelujah” Psalms. The title is taken from the first verse of Psalm 113, which reads, “Praise ye Jehovah. Praise, o ye servants of Jehovah, Praise the name of Jehovah.” The word “praise” translates the Hebrew word, “Hallul.” This is where we get the more familiar word “Hallelujah.” These “Hallelujah” psalms were sung when the people of Israel traveled to Jerusalem for the various appointed feasts.

The Jewish Talmud reveals the tradition of using this grouping of Psalms when partaking of the Passover meal. After partaking of the first of four cups of the fruit of the vine, Psalm 113 and 114 would be sung. Then, at the end of the meal, Psalm 115-118 would be sung.

The first two Psalms in this group exhort God’s servants to praise God, because the extent of His glory demands it. God’s character establishes a name that should be praised for ever more (Psalm 113:2). His praise-worthy name goes from east to west, following the direction of the sun’s rising and setting. Then, the Lord should be praised as His servants look upward above all nations and fathom the fact that God’s glory is “high above the heavens” (Psalm 113:4). God is so high above all things, that He must “humble” Himself “to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth”(Psalm 113:6). He not only beholds but raises the poor and needy from dire straits (Psalms 113:8). He blesses the barren woman with the joy of keeping house in motherhood (Psalm 113:9). 

Psalm 114 begins with Israel coming forth out of Egypt (Psalm 114:1). The Psalmist seems to be so impressed with God’s miraculous deeds that he uses the pronoun, “his” before saying, “Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob” (Psalm 114:7). Before establishing “His” presence in the temple in Judah and ruling over Israel, the sea divided in fear before His presence as Israel was delivered from Egypt (Psalm 114:3). The Jordan River also “was driven back” as God’s people were allowed passage into the promised land. While in the wilderness, the mountain of Sinai quaked, skipping as disturbed rams when the Law of Moses was delivered to the people (Psalm 114:4, 6). God’ glorious presence “turned the rock into a pool of water…”when the people thirsted in the wilderness (Psalm 114:8). God is praised for delivering His people from bondage, providing for them in the wilderness and ruling over them in Judah.

At the end of the Passover meal, the Psalms, broadening the focus to the nations, contrast God with their idol gods (Psalm 115) and look to the future when God is praised for His lovingkindness and truth among all “ye peoples” in “all the nations” (Psalm 117). Loving God because He has “delivered my soul from death” (Psalm 116:7) and rejoicing in the day when “the stone which the builders rejected is made the head of the corner” point to the nations praising God in the resurrected Christ (Psalm 118:22-24; I Peter 2:7).

The Passover meal allowed Jesus to institute the Lord’s supper, and the “Hallelujah” Psalms connected Him in song as well. This last section of Psalms, especially Psalm 118, was probably the hymn Jesus sang with His apostles at the end of His partaking of the Passover…right before heading to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30).

— Via Glad Tidings, Volume 29, Number 34, August 25, 2019

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If I Knew I Were Going to Die Tomorrow, What Would I Tell My Children Today?

Bryan Gibson

Forgive me for my sins. Maybe you know things I’ve done against you (Matthew 5:23-24), and if that’s the case, I need to be forgiven by you—and by God. I’ve tried hard, but I know my example has been imperfect. I’ve been too harsh at times, other times not firm enough. Please forgive me and make it your aim to improve on the things I did as a parent.

I love each one of you. Your mother and I rejoiced the day you were born (John 16:21), but that was nothing compared to the feelings we had when you were born again (John 3:3-5). I’m looking forward to an eternal reward (2 Timothy 4:6-8), but you children have been my reward here on this earth (Psalms 127:3-5). I’ve tried to demonstrate my love in a variety of ways, but I do hope you remember most the love I’ve shown for your soul.

Yes, you have spouses and children to care for, but take really good care of your mother, too. She has always been willing to “spend and be spent for your souls” (2 Corinthians 12:15). No doubt she made up for my deficiencies as a parent—when I didn’t have time, she did; when I was too soft, she was firm; when I was too harsh, she provided the softer touch. So “repay” your mom (1 Timothy 5:4), a debt you already know you’ll never completely erase.

Make sure our precious grandchildren are prepared for the life beyond this one. You already know what’s most important to God (Jeremiah 9:23-24; Galatians 6:14; Matthew 16:26)—make sure they know it too, through what you say AND do.

Serve the Lord faithfully, which among other things means daily (Luke 9:23). Jesus died for you so that you would live wholeheartedly for Him (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). I pray you have good health, that you are able to provide for your families, but above all, I pray that your souls prosper (3 John 1:2). Whatever you accomplish in this life, whatever happiness you find—it won’t mean a thing if you lose your soul (Matthew 16:26).

Study God’s word diligently (2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 1 Peter 2:1-3). The times I’ve made a mess of things was when I either wasn’t studying like I should, or when I ignored what I had studied. Bottom line, I shudder to think how dark my life would be without the light of God’s word, the (many more) foolish decisions I would have made without its guidance, how unprepared I would be for “the time of my departure” (2 Timothy 4:6).

“Heaven holds all to me,” and I sure hope it’s the same for you. It’s where I plan on going, and it’s been my hope for each of you since the day you were born. This time of sorrow—I wish I could say it’s your last, but it’s not. And that’s okay, because these times of sorrow will make you long for a better place—a place Jesus has prepared for you (John 14:3); a place where you never die, where there is no more pain or sorrow (Revelation 21:4); a place that needs no light, because it is completely lit up by the glory of God (Revelation 21:23; 22:5). Think of the best day you’ve ever had, multiply that joy by 10 million (is that enough?), and then imagine every day throughout eternity being just like that.

One more thing—please sing, “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” at my funeral. It’s my favorite song, and if you read those words again, you’ll know exactly why. It doesn’t have to be your favorite song, but you sure better live by its words.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, June 4, 2024

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

Sword Tips #18                            

Joe R. Price

“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Oh, how much trouble we could avoid if only we would be kind to one another! Kindness is an attribute of love that flows out of a compassionate heart (1 Cor. 13:4).

Be kind to others by imparting goodness with your words and your actions.

Be kind, even when they are not kind to you.

Remember, kindness forgives others like God in Christ forgives us.

So today, imitate God and be kind.

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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) The Tomb–Do the Gospels Coincide? (Jon W. Quinn)
2) Christ’s Obedience To The Father Was Love, Not Legalism (Joe R. Price)
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The Tomb–Do the Gospels Coincide?

Jon W. Quinn

“Why do the accounts at Jesus’ tomb conflict?”

I was recently asked this question by a visitor to our website. This young man was engaged in a discussion with another who denies the Bible is the inspired word of God. This was evidently one of the arguments that was made. If the Bible was really the word of God, then there would not be any contradictions in how the events at the tomb of Jesus are recorded. Often times the charges that the gospels contradict are based on the women who are mentioned as going to the tomb early that Sunday morning.

My answer: “They don’t (conflict). A conflict would be an irreconcilable difference. Different perspectives of the same event is not a conflict.”

“If you have a genuine conflict in mind, I would like to know what it is.”

“Example: The number of women who went to the tomb. There is a deference in number, but only because they are written from different perspectives. John follows only Mary Magdalene and does not mention the others who went to the tomb. All of them agree that she went. Matthew also says “the other Mary” went to the tomb that morning. Mark and Luke agree with Matthew. John does not say that the other Mary did not go, so there is no conflict. Salome also went according to Mark. None of the others say she didn’t so there is no conflict. Luke says a woman by the name of Joanna also went. None of the others deny this so there is no conflict.”

Note now the inspired records in the gospels:

Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to look at the grave. (Matthew 28:1)

When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him. (Mark 16:1)

Now they were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. (Luke 24:10)

Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came early to the tomb, while it was still dark, and saw the stone already taken away from the tomb. (John 20:1)

I then explained what it would take for there to be a genuine conflict: If John had said, “Only Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and no one else went.” If one said “Joanna went to the tomb” and another said “Joanna did not go to the tomb.” Those would be conflicts, but there are no conflicts.

I then illustrated it this way: “Suppose police were investigating what happened at a party at which there was Mary M and Mary and Joanna and Salome present. They ask you, “What happened at the party?” You respond, Mary M. was there. She arrived at 7:30.”

Then they ask me the same thing. I respond, “Mary M was there, as was Joanna. Joanna arrived later than Mary.”

Then another witness responds to the same question: “There were two people named ‘Mary’ there.”

Finally, a fourth witness says, “Salome was at the party as well as some other women.”

There is no conflict in these reports. They can all be true. They are told from different perspectives and different aspects of the same event are mentioned. We would expect such in witness testimony even when all the witnesses are telling the truth. I challenged: Neither is there genuine conflict in the Biblical account of the tomb. They can all be true as stated. If you find one… a genuine conflict… then please let me know.

The young man wrote back and responded this way: “I wasn’t saying that they all didn’t go to the tomb, but did they go at different times? How many angels appeared? If you put all the accounts together how do they fit?”

This suggested to me that he was also having a problem with the angels at the tomb. I responded this way:

We are not given an exact time frame. We are not told that all the women traveled together. We are not even told that they set out to the tomb from the same place… they could have easily spent the night in different quarters. We only know that some of them, at least, traveled to the tomb as dawn was approaching.   

As far as the number of angels, there are at least two, but only one did the talking (or, at least, most of it).

Matthew mentions one… the one who descended from heaven and rolled the stone away and then sat upon it. Later, when the women arrive, he speaks to them. But Matthew does not say there were no other angels, but just emphasizes this one.

The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified” (Matthew 28:5).

Mark says it was inside the tomb where the angel spoke to the women. But we do not know if it was the same angel or a different one. But whether it was or not, there were two, though only one of them may have spoken initially. Entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right, wearing a white robe; and they were amazed. And he said to them, “Do not be amazed; you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen; He is not here; behold, here is the place where they laid Him” (Mark 16:5-6).

Luke lets us know that here were at least two angels altogether. Perhaps Matthew and Mark emphasize the one who did most of the talking. Also, the fact that Luke says concerning the angels, “and they said” does not necessarily mean that they talked in unison. (Like, if someone said “The two police officers came to my house and they asked me where I was last night” does not mean they both did the talking).

While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead?” (Luke 24:4-5).

John follows Mary Magdalene, who we find out does not enter the tomb at all as the other women did. As soon as she sees the stone rolled away, and before meeting the angels, she runs back to tell the apostles. When Peter and John run back to the tomb to investigate, it is empty… by the time they get there, neither the women nor the angels are still present.

There simply is no conflict about the angels either. Now, if one of the gospels had said “There was only one angel” and another said “There were not less than two angels” then that would be a conflict. But these are not conflicts. Skeptics and doubters would like for them to be, and sometimes blindly insist that these are contradictions, but they are not. Our faith in Jesus and the Bible is well placed.

— Via The Bradley Banner from the Bradley church of Christ,  November 6, 2005

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Christ’s Obedience To The Father Was Love, Not Legalism

Joe R. Price

30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here (John 14:30–31, NKJV).

Jesus was about to be arrested, tried, and condemned to death by crucifixion. We marvel at God’s love for us by which He “gave His only begotten Son” for the redemption of sinners (John 3:16; 1 John 3:16; 4:8-10). Today’s passage adds another element to God’s love for us: the Son’s love for the Father. Jesus’s death on the cross was not only the great expression of divine love for humanity but also the great expression of His obedient love for His Father (Rom. 5:8; John 6:38; 10:18). Christ’s love for the Father compelled Him to do the Father’s will, becoming “obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Phil. 2:8). His sacrificial, selfless obedience makes Him the Exemplar of love. You see, previously in today’s passage, Jesus had told His apostles, “If you love Me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Jesus holds His disciples to the same standard He followed, to express our love for Him through faithful obedience. We ought not to view obedience as a legalistic approach to discipleship but as love’s full measure of devotion. As John wrote, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth” (1 John 3:18). It is no wonder that Jesus saves those who obey Him (Heb. 5:8-9). Today and hereafter, “arise, let us go from here” and in love obey the Father and the Son.

— Via the Facebook site for the Round Lake Beach church of Christ, February 18, 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.   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.)