“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) Psalm 40 (Ken Weliever) 2) Your Life is Like Grass (David McPherson) ——————–
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Psalm 40
Ken Weliever
An old Bits and Pieces magazine tells the story about an Ozark hound dog sitting in a country store howling as hounds do.
In comes a stranger and says to the storekeeper, “What’s the matter with the dog?”
“He’s sittin’ on a cocklebur.”
“Why doesn’t he get off it?”
“He’d rather holler,” the clerk replied.
Some folks are like the old hound dog, they’d rather complain about their problems than do something to solve them. As therapist and author Virginia Satir once observed, “Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem.”
As most rational people come to realize, problems are a part of life’s challenges. Unfortunately, some have preached a gospel that says, “If you become a Christian, God will remove all your troubles.” Sadly, too many have swallowed that false notion. Then they’re disillusioned when trials arise.
David, identified in Scripture as “a man after God’s own heart,” enjoyed a special relationship with the Lord. But he was not exempt from the problems, pressures and heartaches of life. Many of his Psalms reveal these struggles.
In Psalm 40 David speaks of three problems he was facing.
#1 The guilt of sin
You can hear David’s anguish as he admits and confesses his wrongs.
For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me. (Ps. 40:12)
Human nature and the problem of sin hasn’t changed in 3,000 years. Sin hurts. It brings emotional, mental and spiritual pain. Sometimes even physical pain. Sin blinds our minds. Overwhelms our feelings. And pierces the heart with sorrow and remorse. The guilt of sin is real. David knew it. And so do we.
#2 The hostility of his enemies
In verse 14, he spoke of those who sought to destroy his life. And who desired to ruin him.
This began after David slew Goliath. King Saul in fits of rage and jealousy tried to kill David. Other enemies hounded him both prior to David taking the throne and afterward. The Philistines were a constant thorn in his flesh. Then his own son, Absalom, later led a rebellion against David and tried to overthrow the throne.
Just like David, when we serve the Lord, we will encounter opposition. It may be from those in positions of power. Or even from within our own family. Don’t be surprised when you speak and stand for Truth that God’s enemies seek to suppress you.
#3 The wound of contempt
In verse 15 David alludes to some who ridiculed and mocked him. Although he was praised by multitudes, others scorned him with taunts and disdain.
Ridicule stings. It doesn’t feel good. Especially when it’s undeserved. So, what did David do?
#1 He “waited patiently for the Lord.”
Waiting is hard. And waiting with patience is even harder. But it’s a continual theme throughout the Psalms. In Psalm 27:14, David wrote:
Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!
We sing the song, “In His Time.” God’s purpose and providence will be exercised by Divine order, not by a human time table. Furthermore, God may choose more than one method to soothe our hurts and solve our problems.
“Sometimes God calms the storm, but sometimes God lets the storm rage and calms His child,” observed author Leslie Gould.
#2 David praised God.
In verses 4-10, David acknowledged God’s righteousness, faithfulness and loving kindness. He further recognized that God is the source of salvation and the author of Truth. He deserves our praise and adoration.
Too often when problems arise, people skip worship. Stay home. And focus on their troubles. Instead, more than ever, you need to worship. See God’s goodness. Trust in His promises. And join the great assembly in worship.
#3 David prayed (vs. 11-17)
The Psalms teach us that prayer ought to be our response when we’re hurting, facing trials, experiencing problems, and feeling weak. David’s plea is for help, deliverance, and compassion. His example is one we ought to emulate.
“Every problem is an opportunity to prove God’s power,” wrote Chuck Swindoll. “Every day we encounter countless golden opportunities, brilliantly disguised as insurmountable problems.”
When you struggle with life’s problems, seek the Lord and apply David’s solution. In the words of Corrie Ten Boom, “Let God’s promises shine on your problems.”
– Via The Preachers Word, March 8, 2023
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Your Life is Like Grass
David McPherson
Throughout Scripture, God reminds us of the frailty of life. No matter how long we live, our life is but a speck compared to eternity. To emphasize our brevity, the image of grass is used.
Psalm 103:15 – “As for man, his days are like grass; as a flower of the field, so he flourishes.”
1 Peter 1:24 – because “all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away.”
Elsewhere, Jesus spoke of how grass is in the field one day and thrown into the oven the next (Luke 12:28)!
Just as the grass or flower soon loses its freshness; is withered or cut down, so it is with our physical life. This should not be viewed as depressing, but rather as motivation to honor and glorify God in what limited time we have. Also, for the faithful, it’s a good reminder that the suffering and trials endured in this life won’t last long.
Hang in there. Love life and see good days. Serve the Lord. And remember, your life is like grass.
— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, December 2024
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Matthew 9:12-13
“But when Jesus heard this, He said, ‘It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick. But go and learn what this means: “I DESIRE COMPASSION, AND NOT SACRIFICE,” for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’”
— 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). ——————–
Tebeau Street CHURCH OF CHRIST 1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501
Sunday:9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service Wednesday (all but the first):7 p.m. Bible Classes First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)
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) If God Be For Us (Jon W. Quinn)
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If God Be For Us
Jon W. Quinn
Support groups are formed today for assistance in solving all kinds of problems. There are support groups for assistance in recovering from disease or accident; recovery from addiction; to lose weight; to deal with family problems; for self-improvement. It’s a huge list, but you get the idea. Support groups are formed to help people succeed.
It is most certainly true that there is strength to be found in support and encouragement we receive from others. Those who have had similar needs to ours, and have found good answers, and are willing to share with others from their own experiences can give good advantages.
I believe that brothers and sisters in Christ can benefit from such as well. But beyond the social or human support, we need the support of God! If we are ever going to be as successful as we need to be in all areas of life, it will need to be with the goodness of God in our lives. To find human support, but turn away from God and His support might make one temporarily successful in the short term, but ultimately life will end in ruin.
We need the support of knowing we’ve been forgiven of our sin based on Christ’s blood, and we need the support of God’s Word to guide and direct us in life. Without any doubt, we need support. But God’s help is the most important of all, but often in today’s world, it is the least sought.
Another problem is sometimes people misunderstand what true support is. For example, someone trying to quit smoking may say, “You just need to be more supportive of me” and by that mean he wants you to go and buy him “just one more pack of cigarettes” and then he’ll be able to quit. If you decline, then you are not being “supportive” he says. But true support does not just accept that what someone wants is always the support that he really needs. Sometimes true support is saying “No.” All some want is for their friends to “support” them in their activities, regardless of what those activities are or where they lead.
Christians are indeed called upon to give support; to be kind and helpful, even sacrificial in helping others, especially other Christians (Galatians 6:9,10). So, what are the ground rules — how do we accomplish this the way the Lord wants us to?
Sin Must Not Be Supported
The best thing I can do to render needed support and encouragement to a sinner is not to support him in his sin. Today much of society expects you to “support and encourage” a person in living whatever “lifestyle” the person chooses to live. If you do not, then you are accused of being “unsupportive” and worse. Just recently, a morally conservative politician’s daughter “came out of the closet” with regard to her homosexual behavior. It was heavily reported in the news that her lifestyle had led to a certain estrangement between them; and he was ridiculed for being “non-supportive” of his daughter. The fact is, his support took the form of trying to help her see that her life was headed in the wrong direction, and he was not going to just act like everything was fine when it wasn’t. He knew that such behavior, if not repented of, will make it impossible for her to inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-11), and though it was no doubt a hard thing to do, he did it. Genuine support is sometimes tough, and not appreciated.
Think about it; have I really done my best for another by supporting him in that which will cost him his soul (Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7,8)? It may well be (and most certainly is) that the best support to be offered in such and similar matters is to tell of the grace of God (James 5:19,20; Titus 2:11-13; 3:8). Certainly, as this is done, he needs to be approached as an equal, for I need the grace as much as he does! (Romans 3:23; 1 Corinthians 4:7,8). Not only must we offer the support from God given in His word, but we need to have confidence in the message and power of the gospel. This will help us to give support and help them to receive it (2 Corinthians 3:12,16).
In order to keep up with the times, some denominations/religious organizations have rejected Biblical teachings and actively support and even promote sin. Don’t be surprised. Religious leaders have done so for centuries (2 Timothy 4:2-4; Isaiah 5:20-21; 30:9-11). It does not matter who does the rejecting, those that reject God’s word are incapable of offering the deepest support people need.
We Can Do What Is Right Without Human Support or Approval
What’s right is right. We can do what’s right and good even when we are not supported by friends or our peers! Integrity is measured when we do what is right regardless (Romans 3:4). Personal responsibility in life can be discharged on a daily basis, even if those around you offer no encouragement at the time. “The buck stops here.” It will not be acceptable to excuse ourselves from doing the right thing because we had no human encouragement or support to do it at the time. It may be more difficult. It would be more pleasant to have the support of your companions, the community and the world! But the lack of such support is no excuse to deny the Lord His Lordship in our lives each and every day. One simply must let pleasing God outweigh pleasing man in importance (John 12:42,43).
Besides, standing alone for what is right can never really happen anywhere. One of the saddest statements in the New Testament is made by Paul at the end of his life. He had been arrested and imprisoned and would shortly be put to death. He said, “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them” (2 Timothy 4:16). Sad for Paul, but more sad for the ones who deserted him. Paul had no support from those around him. But now notice the next verse: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth” (2 Timothy 4:17). Yes, we can do what’s right and good even when we are not supported by others present at the time, knowing that we always have the Lord’s support and strength as long as we walk in His ways and honor His Son.
Our Need For Divine Support
We need God. We need forgiveness through Christ so we can enjoy fellowship with God (1 John 1:6-10). Through our obedient response to the gospel, many good things become ours, given by the Lord. We need the milk and meat of His Word so we may learn how to make the right choices in life — to have discernment (Hebrews 5:12-14). We need the confidence and security that walking by faith in God brings (Philippians 4:11-13; 19; 1 John 2:5; 4:17-19).
Our highest achievement would be to please God and have His approval by doing what is right. One day I will stand before God in judgment. I will stand there either with or without the support of Jesus, depending on whether I have been faithful to Him or not. I want His support now, and I most certainly want it then.
(Based on article by Warren Berkley)
— Via The Bradley Banner, March 13, 2005. Published by the Bradley Church of Christ
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Giving Thanks to the Lord
“He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God” (Psalm 50:23, NASB).
“I will give thanks to You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, And will glorify Your name forever” (Psalm 86:12, 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 byliving 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 Wednesday (all but the first):7 p.m. Bible Classes First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)
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) Why So Much Evil in the World? (Bryan Gibson) 2) Are You a Witness for the Lord? (Connie W. Adams) 3) Using Our Talents Wisely (Richard Thetford) 4) Good Medicine (Jerry Fite) 5) Faith is Reasonable (Doy Moyer) 6) Sword Tips #32 (Joe R. Price) ——————–
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Why So Much Evil in the World?
Bryan Gibson
It’s a question often asked by skeptics, maybe phrasing it similar to this: “If God is real, and as good as you say, how could there be so much evil?” There is plenty of evil, no question about it. Covetousness, maliciousness, envy, murder, strife, deceit, violence, sexual perversions of every kind, etc.–sins like these can be found everywhere, maybe even in our own lives. Is God to blame? Hardly. That’s on us, on mankind.
Romans 1 gives a description of the ancient world, but it could just as easily describe the world today. The list of sins given above is taken directly from that chapter, and that’s definitely not the complete list (see Romans 1:24-32 for the disgusting details).
Back to the original question. Why all this evil? Why do men behave this way? According to this same chapter in Romans, the downward spiral begins when men do not acknowledge God, despite abundant evidence to the contrary. We do not glorify Him, or give thanks to Him (1:20-21). Without the humility that accompanies the knowledge of God, our hearts are filled with pride, and we begin to worship the things of creation rather than the Creator himself (1:22-23, 25). With the focus now on pleasing ourselves, little effort is spent restraining our desires. And with our desires left unchecked, our actions become unclean, vile, dishonorable, and hurtful to ourselves and to others (vv. 24, 26-32). Sure, some don’t slide as far as others, but we can’t push God out of our mind and not be affected in a profoundly negative way.
Yes, this world is full of evil, but it’s not hard to see why. When men reject God, in whom there is nothing but good, evil will be the result. If we’re disgusted by it (and we should be!), why not prepare ourselves for a place where evil does not exist, a place “in which [nothing but] righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
“Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age…” (Galatians 1:3-4).
— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, December 5, 2024
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Are You a Witness for the Lord?
Connie W. Adams
For many years denominational people have said much about “witnessing” for the Lord. Some brethren have borrowed the same language. It is used in one study book used in women’s classes and written by a gospel preacher’s wife. In the interest of speaking “as the oracles of God” and calling Bible things by Bible names, I submit this article for your own study.
The New Testament uses the word “witness” in the sense of an eye or ear witness: someone who relates what he personally saw or heard. Jesus said to His apostles, “But ye shall receive power after the Holy Spirit is come upon you and shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). When Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin and forbidden to “speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus” they answered, “For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). These witnesses spoke of things they had “seen and heard.”
When Peter was at the house of Cornelius, he spoke of how Jesus went about “doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil.” Then he added, “And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem” (Acts 10:38-39). Paul preached at Corinth that Jesus was “buried, and that he arose again the third day according to the scriptures; and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; . . . after that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles, and last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time” (1 Cor. 15:4-8). The Lord told Paul, “I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in which I will appear unto thee” (Acts 26:16).
Peter wrote about the time when he, along with James and John, were with Jesus on the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:1-8), and said they were “eyewitnesses of his majesty” (2 Pet. 1:16). In verse 18 he said, “And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”
Another witness was John who wrote, “That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life. . . .That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you” (1 John 1:2-3).
It is evident from these passages that witnesses were those who testified as to what they themselves saw, heard, touched, or observed. None of us saw or heard any of these things. We are not witnesses in the Bible usage of the term. Are we therefore without evidence? By no means! We have the testimony of certified witnesses. They were credible witnesses at that. These men “hazarded their lives for their testimony” (Acts 15:26). They refused to recant even in the face of severe persecution and death itself. It did not make them rich or famous. It did not secure for them places of honor. They had nothing to gain for inventing a lie and then dying for it.
We Are Not the Witnesses
Our task is to tell the world what the witnesses said. We are tasked with teaching the word of God. To Timothy Paul said, “The things which thou among many witnesses hast heard of me, the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). Jesus said, “Teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have said unto you” (Matt. 28:20). The scattered disciples “went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Is it not adequate to speak of preaching and teaching the gospel? Can we not study with people, or “search the scriptures” with them? Must we borrow the language of teachers of error who misuse a perfectly good Bible word and give it a sense that the Bible does not?
What denominational people mean by witnessing for Christ is to go out and give your testimony about your conversion and what the Lord has purportedly done for you. What we need to do is go everywhere teaching people what the word of God says and urge them to accept and obey it.
But we are told that a secondary usage of the term “witness” in the dictionary is to testify or give your experience. The dictionary often gives out what is in common usage but that does not mean that this is how the term is used in the Bible. A secondary usage of “baptize” is “christen,” yet none of us would use that language when teaching on baptism.
Paul taught Titus to use “sound speech, that cannot be condemned” (Tit. 2:8). I close with a portion of an article by Colly Caldwell, entitled “The Language of Each People” in which he addressed this very usage of witnessing and several other examples.
Does it make you react defensively to hear terms like these called in question? If so, justify them by the Scriptures if possible but do not simply assume their reliability to convey proper ideas. We must understand that it matters what our words suggest to those who hear them, just as it matters what we mean by them. We can say that we do not mean what others mean: but if we indicate by our terminology a false idea, we may well promote false religion and fail to communicate the truth. Remember that “each people” has its own language. Like the peoples of Ashdod, Ammon, or Moab, the peoples of Calvin and Luther, or of Rome, London, Tulsa, and Nashville have their languages. We cannot afford to be naïve. We must not try to be exciting, popular, sophisticated, or clever. We are trying to lead men to Christ. We must not forget that he provided the way to do that in his own terms. It is not our job to try to improve upon it (Searching the Scriptures, Vol. 27-28, p. 386).
— Via Truth Magazine, Volume LVI, Number 5, pp. 4-5, May 2012
Life is what we make of it. A blacksmith takes five dollars’ worth of iron and makes it into horseshoes and gets twenty dollars for them. A machinist fashions the same iron into needles and gets hundreds of dollars. The watchmaker takes the same iron, manufactures mainsprings, and receives thousands of dollars. Similarly, one person uses his time and talents to advance his own earthly interests. Another takes the same opportunities, and through wisdom and the counsel of God’s word, shapes and molds his life for eternity. He refines his character so that he is worth something to the world and God. It’s entirely up to you and me whether we develop our lives into a noble accomplishment, our character into a thing of beauty, and our talents into a source of glory to God. A life without aims or purpose shows no intelligence or forethought.
What have we done with the life God has given us? How have we used our talents to the glory of God? With reference to the one-talent man, Jesus said, “And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30). How will we answer God when we are asked what we have done with our talents? God has told us that He expects us to understand His will and do it. Ephesians 5:17 says, “Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 says, “…When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power…” Let’s ensure that we are using our talents wisely.
— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, December 2024
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Good Medicine
Jerry Fite
Solomon reveals a truth worth meditating upon: “A cheerful heart is a good medicine; but a broken spirit drieth up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22). The body and spirit comprise the material and nonmaterial makeup of man. Because they are distinct, we might forget how they interact and affect one another.
For example, sleep deprivation can affect our spiritual well-being. Studies show that people with insomnia are five times more likely to develop depression than those without sleeping disorders. Yes, it can be a vicious cycle of depression caused by lack of sleep and lack of sleep due to depression. But a wise first step in dealing with depression might be as simple as the daily medicine of eight hours of sleep.
While physical matters can affect the spirit, Solomon reminds us that a cheerful heart can help heal our physical bodies like good medicine while a broken spirit can dry up the bones.
Maintaining a cheerful heart can be challenging in difficult times. The constant absorption of bad news through an angry agenda-driven media can wither away any cheer we can muster in a day. Therefore, we must at times meditate on good and positive things that counteract the withering away of cheer. There are some “good reports” with “lovely” and “virtuous” details to fill our hearts with lasting cheer available in God’s “medicine cabinet,” the Bible (cf. Philippians 4:8).
A strong faith and a determined will combine to keep cheer from drying up our bones. Paul’s faith equipped him to be “always rejoicing” while, at the same time, being “sorrowful” (2 Corinthians 6:10). He knew by faith that no persecution or anguish can separate him from the love of God in Christ. When he is enduring anguish and apparent defeat through persecution, his spirit upholds him as “more than a conqueror” by faith in Christ (Romans 8:37-39). Endued with faith, he determines to rejoice always!
The Hebrew writer speaks to the power of faith as it “stopped the mouths of lions” and “quenched the power of fire” (Hebrews 11:33,34). Faith in God’s power to deliver Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel from moments of certain death strengthened the spirits of these men (Daniel 3:16, 6:16). But determining to not compromise God’s righteous standard, regardless of consequences, was combined with faith as good medicine for delivering their physical bodies from the effects of hot fire and hungry lions.
Inward reaction to thoughts can affect our physical countenance. Cain was angry over his sacrifice being rejected by God, and “his countenance fell” (Genesis 4:5). Ahab’s heavy heart caused him to lay down upon his bed, turn his face away from others and deprive his body of food (I Kings 21:4). Sadness from rejection can affect the physical body.
We should always be sensitive to the spirits of others. “The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a broken spirit who can bear?”(Proverbs 18:13). While the strength of spirit can bear us up under physical infirmities, what remains to bear the load when the spirit is broken? The wound of the friend is faithful, not destructive, for words of encouragement will consistently follow needed rebuke (cf. Proverbs 27:5-6). Never underestimate the effects of a cheerful or wounded spirit upon the physical body!
— Via Glad Tidings, Volume XXIX, No. 45, November 10, 2019
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Faith Is Reasonable
Doy Moyer
Faith is reasonable because trust, which is the heart of biblical faith, is reasonable. Faith does not require that every question be resolved before it can proceed, for that would not be considered trust.
A child does not wait for parents to answer every question about difficult matters before trusting them. The child simply trusts that parents know what they are doing, and the child takes comfort in that. Yet how much greater is the wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of God? We act like we cannot show faith unless God first answers every difficulty to our satisfaction. This is not faith. It is, instead, an attempt to bring all of reality under our own finite reason, and that is itself unreasonable.
This does not mean that faith is naive or without evidence to back it up. Yet there is only so far we will go in understanding overarching reality and having the knowledge and wisdom to discern all matters of ultimate concern. If we cannot be humble enough to admit our own frailties, limitations of knowledge, and need for greater wisdom than we can offer, then our hubris will have destroyed us. Sometimes I fear it already has.
We all trust something or someone to provide a greater perspective on reality, moral authority, and wisdom. Choosing self or other people with the same limitations is self-defeating and unsustainable.
Even more self-defeating is relying on an ultimate nothing, for then we are trusting mindless, purposeless, accidental processes to give us a solid grounding for our own ability to think and reason. Yet how can that be considered reasonable? And what about denying that we have faith at all? That is unrealistic at best and dishonest at worst. We all place our trust in something.
In what, or in whom, do you place your trust? That’s where your faith rests. Is it reasonable? That depends on whether what or whom you trust is truly in the position for which such trust is warranted.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright” (Psalms 20:7-8).
— Via Articles from the La Vista church or Christ, March 31, 2022
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“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).
Sword Tips #32
Joe R. Price
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God” (Psalm 42:1).
The animals gather at the river’s edge at the break of day and at the setting of the sun. The water refreshes them, sustains them; Without it, they would perish.
Today, yearn to have God in your life, just like the deer pants for the water brook.
Jesus Christ is the fountain of living water that springs up into everlasting life!
Whatever you pursue today, be sure God and his will is your foremost desire.
He will refresh your soul and sustain you unto the dawn of eternity.
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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 byliving 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 Wednesday (all but the first):7 p.m. Bible Classes First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)
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) Something Greater (David Gibson) 12/8/24 2) Philippians 2:9-11 (Bible) 12/8/24 3) The Passion of Christ (Mike Willis) 12/8/24 4) A Changed Man: The Story of King Manasseh (Bryan Gibson) 12/8/24 5) Come Hungry (Boyd King) 12/8/24 6) Sword Tips #26 (Joe R. Price) 12/8/24 ——————–
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Something Greater
David Gibson
What Jesus claimed for Himself
One of the challenges Jesus faced during His ministry on earth was helping people understand who He really was and what He had come to accomplish for their eternal welfare. He was so much greater than they could imagine.
Referring to Himself, He said, “. . . something greater than the temple is here. . .something greater than Jonah is here . . . something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:6, 41, 42). His purpose in saying this was not to exalt Himself but to emphasize what wonderful things God was accomplishing through Him for our benefit.
Jesus repeatedly showed Himself to be the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Luke 24:44-46). He claimed to be the light of the world, the only way to the Father, the truth, and the source of life (John 8:12; 14:6).
What Others Said of Him
John the Baptist testified, “. . . he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry . . .” “And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God” (Matthew 3:11; John 1:34).
Peter, who still had much to learn about Jesus, was right in saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). On two other occasions, he acknowledged Him as the Son of God (Matthew 14:33; 16:16). In time, Peter would be given evidence heaped upon evidence that Jesus is indeed everything He claims to be. Later, Peter would be willing to forfeit his life to maintain his testimony to the truth of Jesus’ claims.
As the author of Hebrews says, Jesus is greater than the angels, greater than Moses, greater than the Levitical priesthood. As our eternal High Priest, “. . . he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).
Peter’s question still stands, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”
— Via Articles from the La Vista church of Christ, November 4, 2024
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Philippians 2:9-11
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (NASB).
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The Passion of Christ
Mike Willis
The word “passion” when used with reference to the “passion of Christ” means “the agony and sufferings of Jesus during the Crucifixion.” This issue of Truth Magazine is a study of the passion of Jesus Christ.
The passion narrative for this issue begins with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Following the generally accepted chronology, this must have occurred late Thursday night (10 p.m. or after). There Jesus agonized in his spirit as he submitted his will to the will of the Father. The intensity of his agony is manifest from his strong crying and tears (Heb. 5:7) and the sweat dropping like blood (Luke 22:44). Having finished his prayers, Jesus returned to the waiting disciples where he was arrested (probably near midnight).
Crossing the Kidron Valley, the mob led Jesus to the house of Annas and then Caiaphas where Jesus was tried before the Jewish authorities. The Sanhedrin assembled late that Thursday night to try Jesus, concluding that he was guilty of blasphemy and should be executed. The verdict probably was reaching the verdict about 3 a.m. Shortly afterward, Peter denied the Lord and the cock crowed (which gives some indication of the time).
Early in the morning at daybreak (Luke 22:66; John 18:28), the Jewish authorities led Jesus to Pilate for trial. In the hours that intervened, Jesus was tried by Pilate, Herod Antipas, and a second time by Pilate. He was on the cross by the “third hour of the day” (Mark 15:25) on that Friday morning. Jesus’ trials in each incidence must have been short and the action moved quickly. His scourging, which in itself nearly killed a person, left him so weak that he stumbled beneath the weight of the cross.
The ritual of crucifixion, so familiar to first century men, to us is a strange manner of administering the death penalty. We have taken the time to relate what usually happened in crucifixion in its gory details so that one can appreciate the sacrifice that Jesus made for our sins.
After Jesus died at 3 p.m., he was buried in Joseph’s tomb. There he lay through the Sabbath rest until he was raised on Sunday morning.
These hours in Jesus’ life are so significant a portion of the gospel narrative that all of the evangelists give considerable emphasis to them (Matthew gives chapters 26-28; Mark gives chapters 14-16; Luke gives chapters 22-24; John gives chapters 18-20). The fact that they give such a large percentage of their narrative to his crucifixion gives us some idea of how much we should emphasize it. Such a study will certainly point us to the conclusion that we are saved by grace! Paul said, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:6-8). Jesus suffered death, even the death of crucifixion, to make atonement for our sins.
Let us join that majestic chorus who sing, “Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing” (Rev. 5:12). May this special issue evoke such praise of our Savior in each of us.
— Via Truth Magazine, Vol. XLIV: 1 p. 1, January 2000
And a drastic or dramatic change it was, because at one point King Manasseh of Judah was about as evil as a man could be. He built altars and images for all kinds of false gods, and even placed some of them in the temple (2 Kings 21:3-7). He “made his son pass through the fire, practiced soothsaying, used witchcraft, and consulted spiritists and mediums” (2 Kings 21:6). He “shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to the other” (2 Kings 21:16). His evil was even greater because of the influence he had on his people—“Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel” (2 Kings 21:9). King Manasseh made a mess of his life, and he dragged a lot of people down with him. In fact, Manasseh was largely responsible for the Babylonian captivity His people suffered (Jeremiah 15:4).
Thankfully, the story doesn’t end there. To punish Manasseh, God sent “the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon” (2 Chronicles 33:11). Talk about a wake-up call! “Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD His God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God” (2 Chronicles 33:12-13). Despite all the evil Manasseh had done, when he repented, God forgave him and restored him to his kingdom. Manasseh then spent the rest of his life serving the Lord (2 Chronicles 33:14-17).
It’s a sad story, but it does have a happy ending. Here are a few things Manasseh might like to say to us—if he were here today. And yes, there is a way in which the dead still speak (Hebrews 11:4).
Don’t live like I did—before I came to my senses. I hurt myself, as well as a lot of other people. Yes, I was forgiven, and yes, I was restored to my kingdom, but I (and MANY others) still had to live with the consequences of my actions. I served the Lord faithfully in my later years, but think about how much good I could have done if I had started much earlier (and I did know better then).
If you have given yourself over to sin like I did, quit! You don’t have to stay in that same rut. Even if you’re just dabbling in it, stop. You may not get the same kind of wake-up call I got (dragged off with nose hooks), so consider this your wake-up call—this very article. With God’s help, I made a drastic change in my life, and so can you.
God’s grace is a marvelous thing indeed. No matter what you’ve done, no matter how many people you’ve hurt, no matter how many times you’ve provoked Him to anger, He is willing to forgive. Yes, I humbled myself before Him, and yes, I repented, but I still didn’t deserve what He gave me. You don’t deserve it neither, but you would be foolish not to take it. Repent of your sins, and seek His forgiveness—and don’t wait; please do it today!
— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, November 29, 2024
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Come Hungry
Boyd King
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” (Matthew 5:6).
Righteousness is a verdict of approval or an acceptable condition. All reasonable people desire righteousness; but it is the one who hungers and thirsts for righteousness who will be blessed with satisfaction.
We would like to live in a righteous environment, yet we live in a fallen world. We would like to have righteous leadership, yet frailties invade even the best of human administrations. We would like to be righteous souls, yet our fleshly lusts and pride betray us. It should not come as a surprise that man hungers for a good society, good leaders, and a good self. After all, we were created to be inhabitants of Eden, companions of our Creator, upright souls formed in His image. Now look at us – it is no wonder both our Maker and we find our current condition unacceptable, unsatisfactory, unrighteous. Still, Jesus promises blessedness in the eager pursuit of righteousness and a satisfying conclusion to our search.
Do you hunger for a righteous world? God promises “a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2Peter 3:13). In this new, righteous world, “they shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, for the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water” (Revelation 7:16-17).
Do you hunger for righteous leaders? God has enthroned a righteous King, one both wise and powerful, who is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness” (Isaiah 55:6-7).
Do you hunger to be righteous? God has established a way for us to be counted by God as righteous, despite the guilt of our sin. This righteousness is not “a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith” (Philippians 3:9). It was bought and paid for by God (2Cor 5:21), revealed to man by God (Romans 1:16-17), and is sustained by God’s faithful justice and merciful forgiveness (1John 1:9).
A feast of righteousness which will satisfy our hunger is set. A hungry person comes to the table; he eats what is set before him; he delights in the meal. God cries out, “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David” (Isaiah 55:1-3).
Come and hear; come hungry! I will never forget the May 28, 2017 assembly. It was a very special occasion for me. That Sunday morning, as I sat beside my brother, Aaron, his kind, smiling “Good morning” somehow seemed more pleasant and welcoming than ever. As Jason led us in prayer, I listened carefully; when he interceded on behalf of those suffering, tears welled in my eyes. I had just spoken to two sisters whose physical infirmities were weighing more heavily on my heart than before. Ryan led us in a medley of songs which ended with How Deep The Father’s Love. For some reason, the songs were somehow more encouraging, sweeter than the other times I had sung them. Conrad had me spellbound as he read about and commented on the centurion at Calvary. The Supper seemed more poignant and personal. Rickie spoke to us about excelling in our knowledge of God’s Word. His exhortations seemed more applicable to my needs than ever. What was happening here? Were the prayers and songs and communion and sermon somehow different on this day?
I had entered this assembly under a personal cloud. I had been told by my employer that I would have to work seven days a week for at least the next two months. I was stressed about the challenges of the job, but much more distressing was the prospect of not being able to assemble with my brethren for many Sundays and Wednesdays to come. Why hadn’t I listened as intently prior to this Sunday? Why hadn’t I sung with more joy and passion before? Why hadn’t I wept about my Lord’s suffering or my brethren’s struggles the previous Sundays?
Before that Sunday, my attitude about the assembly had been that there would be another assembly next Sunday, and each Sunday after that. I knew where and when my next meal would be. Sundays were pleasant, but I just wasn’t all that…hungry. It wasn’t until I faced the likelihood that assemblies would be few and far between for a while that every aspect and activity in the assembly became delicious to me.
Had I become complacent, jaded, self-assured, and neglectful to the point of just going through the motions? I suppose I thought I had mastered worship. What a fool I was. I had forgotten that what I needed was for worship to master me.
Joni Mitchell sang, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone.” I had paved paradise, made it all level and comfortable and easily navigated. But on May 28, 2017, I came to the Throne with a hunger for His righteousness. That Sunday, I brought only my brokenness for my Lord to heal. I came empty, needy, hungry and thirsty. And I remember that Sunday, because I left filled.
What if every Sunday was like that for you and me? It would change us individually. It would change us as a congregation. We know about other times and other places where assemblies have been restricted or forbidden. We have now experienced that even in America, assembling on Sunday is not to be taken for granted. The lesson from 2020: Come hungry to be filled!
— Via Focus Online, December 9, 2020
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“And take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Eph. 6:17).
Sword Tips #26
Joe R. Price
“Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?” (Luke 12:57)
Ironically, many people judge all forms of judgment to be wrong. Yet, Jesus expects us to judge what is right!
He demands that our judgment be righteous and not hypocritical (see Jno. 7:24; Matt. 7:1-5).
To do that, our judgments must conform to the word of God.
By using Christ’s word to judge what is right, you can know what pleases God.
Use the Bible to judge what is right, and then do what pleases 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 byliving 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 Wednesday (all but the first):7 p.m. Bible Classes First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)
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) Peace with God (Allen Dvorak)
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Peace with God
Allen Dvorak
Synopsis: Through the terms revealed in the gospel, God graciously reconciles sinful men to Himself, thus fulfilling a spiritual need that could never otherwise be satisfied.
When Isaiah saw the Lord on His throne, he said, “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!” (Isa. 6:5, ESV). Isaiah’s response was similar to others in the Scriptures who found themselves in the presence of a holy God (Ezek. 1:28; Judg. 13:22; Luke 5:8; Rev. 1:17).
The holiness of God is the most important trait of deity for understanding the dynamics of the relationship between God and man. The Scriptures are replete with affirmations of God’s holiness (Ps. 11:7; 116:5; 119:137; 145:17). The seraphim that Isaiah saw proclaimed the holiness of the Lord: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory” (6:3), as did the four living creatures that John saw (Rev. 4:8). Describing the righteousness of God in terms of light and darkness, the apostle John wrote, “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” (1 John 1:5b-6).
Peter quoted from Psalm 34 to describe the implication of God’s holiness for His relationship with man: “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous… but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil” (1 Pet. 3:12). Isaiah explained to the nation of Judah that their troubles were not because God was powerless to help them, but “your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear” (Isa. 59:1-2).
An individual’s sin causes a separation between him and God; it fractures an amicable spiritual relationship. Paul described such individuals as “alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds,” and “ungodly,” essentially causing enmity between them and God (Col. 1:21; Rom. 5:10). When we sin, we become enemies of God by our own actions! To emphasize the seriousness of this separation, the Scriptures describe it as a “death” (Eph. 2:1-2, 5).
What sinful man needs is to be reconciled with God. In human relationships, it is typically the one responsible for the rift in the relationship who must make amends in order for reconciliation to be possible. On one occasion, I bought candy and flowers for my wife. The store clerk, learning that the purchases were for my wife, asked in a joking manner, “What in the world did you do, that you have to buy these gifts?” The assumption is that the transgressor should be responsible for initiating the reconciliation.
But there’s the difficulty. Man, by his sin, caused the separation from his Creator, but he is unable to offer what is necessary to mend the relationship. Until man’s sin is removed, the relationship between man and God cannot be restored. As Paul rhetorically asked, “What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14b).
The Hebrews writer stated an important principle with regard to the removal of sin: “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb. 9:22b). The Law of Moses illustrated this truth by means of its sacrificial system. Atonement under the Law required the offering by the sinner of a physically unblemished animal, its blood being presented as representative of its life (Lev. 4; 17:11). No three-legged or blind-in-one-eye offering would have been acceptable—it had to be a perfect animal! The Hebrews writer also revealed that the blood of bulls and goats (a reference to the Day of Atonement ritual [Lev. 16]) was actually insufficient, in and of itself, for the removal of spiritual blemishes (10:4). So what can man offer for his sin so that his relationship with a holy God can be restored? No animal suffices and he cannot even offer himself, since he is blemished by sin!
To enjoy peace with sinful man, God did an amazing thing! He provided the perfect sacrifice necessary for the forgiveness (i.e., removal) of sins, thus permitting reconciliation. Speaking of Christ, Paul wrote:
“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him” (Col. 1:19-22, ESV).
A sinless man, Jesus—God in the flesh, died on the cross, thereby offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for sin and “making peace by the blood of His cross.” Sinful men can be “reconciled to God by the death of his Son” (Rom. 5:10). Speaking of Jews and Gentiles, Paul wrote that both could be reconciled to God “in one body through the cross” (Eph. 2:16b).
It wasn’t sinful man providing a sacrifice to restore his relationship with a holy God; it was a holy God graciously providing the sin offering that could bring peace to the relationship (Isa. 53:5, 10). As Paul wrote, God “through Christ reconciled us to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:18). The story of the cross is the message of reconciliation, a message of grace and love, that appeals to sinful men to accept the reconciliation that God offers to all (2 Cor. 5:19; 1 Tim. 2:3-4; Eph. 2:17-18).
This righteousness provided by God is received through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:21-25). Believers are “baptized into His death” that they may receive the purifying benefit of His blood shed in that death (Romans 6:3). That’s how peace is made by the blood of His cross! Having been justified by faith (an obedient faith), we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and we rejoice in God because of the reconciliation He has provided (Rom. 5:1, 11). If separation from God because of sin is spiritual death, then reconciliation through Christ is life and peace!
—Via Truth Magazine, Volume 61, No. 12, December 2017
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 Wednesday (all but the first):7 p.m. Bible Classes First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)
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.)
