Month: March 2025

“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) It is Enough (Kyle Pope)

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It is Enough

Kyle Pope

When life gets hard it’s not uncommon for us to come to a point in life that we throw up our hands, stop what we’re doing, and say “That’s it, I quit!” It may be at a job we’ve worked for years when we feel unappreciated or mistreated. It may be in a relationship when we feel we’re the only one trying to make it work. Perhaps it’s some task we’ve begun only to feel as if it’s just too hard, too demanding, or unrewarding.

Unfortunately, this sense of desperation is not limited to earthly things—people often respond to spiritual commitments the same way. We tried to teach someone the gospel, but it was unsuccessful. We used to teach Bible classes, but now “we’ve done our part!” That temptation we fight wins far too often. Our marriage just isn’t what we thought it would be. We tried to help some church problem, only to have things “blow-up in our face.” These challenges can make once faithful Christians stop working, stop trying, stop caring, and even abandon faith altogether.

Elijah’s Discouragement

Fortunately, the Bible offers us an example of a champion of faith who faced his own spiritual crisis that can teach us lessons about how to overcome our own obstacles to service to the Lord. Elijah was God’s faithful prophet to the wicked northern kingdom of Israel. Through Elijah God caused a drought in Israel that lasted three and a half years to punish its wickedness (1 Kings 17:1; Jas. 5:17). During this time God fed him miraculously with ravens (1 Kings 17:3-6) and then through a Sidonian widow in Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16). Through Elijah God demonstrated His power by consuming Elijah’s altar with its sacrifice by fire from heaven in the contest with the prophets of Baal, leading to the execution of 450 prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:17-40).

After this victory, however, Elijah faced a spiritual setback. When the wicked queen Jezebel learned about his execution of her prophets, she swore to take Elijah’s life in return (1 Kings 19:1-2). Although God had preserved Elijah through all of this, he became discouraged and afraid. Elijah ran away to Beersheba, far to the south in the territory of Judah (1 Kings 19:3). He then went a day’s journey into the wilderness, lay down under a broom tree and cried out, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!” (1 Kings 19:4). After God once again fed him miraculously, he went all the way to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:5-8), where twice he cried to God “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” (1 Kings 19:10, 14). How could this pillar of faith come to feel so discouraged? What can this teach us when we feel “It is enough!”?

God’s Encouragement

We should first notice in God’s efforts to encourage him, how different the Lord’s response was from the way we often try to encourage others. God doesn’t excuse Elijah’s paralysis or empathize with him so much that Elijah felt justified in his discouragement. First, God questioned him twice, asking “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9, 13). God knew exactly what Elijah was doing, but this forced Elijah to evaluate and articulate his own actions. Sometimes verbalizing our complaint forces us to consider its validity. Second, He commanded Elijah to observe a demonstration of His power (1 Kings 19:11a). God brought a wind that tore through the mountain, an earthquake, fire, and finally “a still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11b-12). A God of such power could not be threatened by a wicked woman like Jezebel! Finally, he revealed to Elijah some facts he could not have known otherwise (1 Kings 19:18) and gave him instructions he was to follow without delay (1 Kings 19:15-17). Let’s consider some lessons from this situation:

1. God gives us what we need. When Elijah first ran away from Jezebel he was ready to die (1 Kings 19:3-4). It is here that he declared, “It is enough! Now Lord take my life.” The first divine reaction to Elijah’s discouragement was to offer him food and rest. Miraculously, an angel appeared to him with a cake of bread and a jar of water (1 Kings 19:5-6a). The angel commanded Elijah to eat, then let him rest (1 Kings 19:6b). When he awoke the angel commanded him again to eat before he traveled further to Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:7-8). God understood the limits of his body. He did not expect him to do anything beyond his ability. So it is with us. God does not feed us miraculously, but it is God who provides our “daily bread” (Matt. 6:11). He will not allow you “to be tempted beyond what you are able” (1 Cor. 10:13)—our challenge is to trust Him even when we feel “It is enough!”

2. We are never as alone as we think. While God didn’t coddle Elijah or enable his pouting attitude, He did offer a powerful bit of information that cut right to the heart of the cause of Elijah’s discouragement. Three times Elijah had declared, “I alone am left.” First, before his challenge of the prophets of Baal, he told the people “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord” (1 Kings 18:22). Twice, after he ran away from Jezebel, he said again “I alone am left” (1 Kings 19:10, 14). These last two times were different than the first. He began by saying, “the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant” and concluded by saying “I alone am left.” He wasn’t just the last prophet—he seems to feel as if he’s the last faithful Israelite! The northern kingdom of Israel throughout its history was given to idolatry. Although God sent prophets to call them back to Him, they persisted in rebellion. It probably looked like no one else was faithful. The Lord tells Elijah, however, there were 7000 in Israel “whose knees have not bowed to Baal” and who had a “mouth that has not kissed him” (1 Kings 19:18). We can’t know people’s hearts. When we feel alone, as Christians we can be assured “the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world” (1 Pet. 5:9).

3. There is work that needs to be done. After God questioned Elijah a second time, He gave him some commands. First, he was to go to Syria—enemy territory and anoint a new king named Hazael (1 Kings 19:15). Next, he was to return to Israel and anoint a man named Jehu, who would replace the wicked king Ahab (1 Kings 19:16a). These men would become instruments through which God would punish the wicked house of Ahab and his wife Jezebel (1 Kings 19:17). Was Elijah the man for this job—after all, he was discouraged and afraid? We tend to think we should wait until we feel better to start working again. God shows (through His commands to Elijah) the best way to feel better is to get back to work! In Christ there is too much to do—we have no time to stop working. The fields are “already white for harvest” (John 4:35).

4. We must prepare others to take our place. A third command God gives to Elijah is to find “Elisha the son of Shaphat” whom He commands Elijah to “anoint as prophet in your place” (1 Kings 19:16b). After Elijah was taken up into heaven it would be said of Elisha, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha” (2 Kings 2:15)—meaning that Elisha would share the same zeal and courageous spirit that had belonged to Elijah. Scripture actually records more of Elisha’s faithful deeds than it does of Elijah! Centuries later John the Baptist would be one who would come “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). He too would have Elijah’s courage and zeal rebuking the wickedness of Herod and preparing the way for Jesus. If Elijah had given up how would these men have followed in his steps? Each of us has the responsibility to serve our own generation (cf. Acts 13:36), but we must also offer the teaching, example, and encouragement needed to prepare those who will follow after us. Paul commanded Timothy, “the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tim. 2:2). All of us face times we may be tempted to say, “It is enough!” but there are those looking to us to prepare them to stand one day in our place and take up the battle. Don’t let them down—keep up the fight!

— Via Focus Online, June 30, 2020

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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
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).
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Contents:

1) “The Things Written About Me” “…has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Jon W. Quinn)

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“The Things Written About Me”

“…has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”

Jon W. Quinn

“Now He said to them, ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44).

How many things? How many things that had been written over the previous one and a half thousand years had to be fulfilled by Jesus in order to prove to everyone that He is the Christ? And what are the chances that anyone else would either coincidentally or by plan fulfill them all?

Consider one of the most compelling evidences that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. He fulfilled all the prophecies… the easy ones as well as the difficult… And even the impossible ones! (But with God, all thing are possible! — Mark 9:23; 10:27)

Prophecies and Jesus

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and He will not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). The apostles and prophets, and Jesus Himself, appealed to the Scriptures as proof of Jesus’ Messiahship. The Old Testament, written over a period of about 1,000 years (1400-400 B.C.), and completed at least four centuries prior to Jesus’ birth, establish and confirm the fact that Jesus was who He said He was. There were over 300 prophecies made, including over 60 major prophecies that show obvious Divine foreknowledge.

Some Objections Considered

“And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in the Scriptures” (Luke 24:27). Some have tried to explain away the prophecies, but there is really no adequate explanation other than Jesus is God’s Son, the Messiah, promised from the beginning.

Some skeptics suggest that the prophecies were actually written after Jesus lived, but the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls disproved that. Additionally, the Greek translation of the Old Testament occurred in 250 B.C. We know the prophecies referring to Jesus were being circulated at that time. Yes, all of these prophecies were written centuries before Jesus was born.

Others suggest that Jesus deliberately fulfilled the prophecies. No doubt He did; the riding into Jerusalem on the back of a colt was something He deliberately did to fulfill prophecy. But not all can be explained that way. He certainly had no human control over the place of His birth, nor the time of it. He had no control over the price that Judas would receive for betraying Him. He had no control over the method of His execution, the piercing of His side, the casting of lots for His garments or where He would be buried! These were all fulfillments of prophecy as well!

Well, maybe it was all coincidental. You can find some of these prophecies fulfilled by lots of people. Jesus was not the first, or the last, to die for others. But again, Jesus did not fulfill just one or two, but hundreds. In fact, all of them. No other in human history comes close! No objection conceived by the unbelieving mind of man has ever come close to providing a reasonable alternative.

Some Specific Prophecies

“Think not that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). There are far too many prophecies to note all of them here. We will notice eight of them, selected because they were all beyond the human control of Jesus to manipulate.

According to the prophet Micah, the Messianic ruler would come from the tiny village of Bethlehem. Here God eliminates all the other cities and villages of the world as possibilities (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1). If Jesus had been born anywhere else, He would not be the promised one. But, of course, that is exactly where He was born.

The time of the Messiah’s coming would be in the days of the fourth empire in the future from Daniel’s perspective, which turned out to be Rome (Daniel 2:44). Very exact time references are given (Daniel 9:25) and fulfilled in Jesus.

He was to be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-24). If Jesus’ father had been known, then we would be sure that He is not the Messiah.

He would be betrayed by a friend for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12,13, John 13:21, Matthew 26:15).

In His execution, His hands and feet would be pierced (Psalm 22:16, Luke 23:33).

People would continue to mock Him as He died (Psalm 22:7,8, Matthew 27:39).

He would be pierced (Zechariah 12:10) and of course this was fulfilled by a Roman soldier with a spear (John 19:34).

Though counted as wicked, He would be buried by a rich man in an area designated as tombs for those who could afford them (Isaiah 53:9, Matthew 27:57-60).

As we consider these prophecies about Jesus, we would do well to remember the words of Jehovah through the prophet Isaiah: “Remember the former things long past, for I am God and there is no other; I am God and there is no one like Me. Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things which have not yet been done, saying, ‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure” (Isaiah 46:9,10).

What Are the Changes?

“For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote of Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:46, 47). What is the chance that any man living down to the present time could have fulfilled all eight of these prophecies, based upon mathematical principles of probability, without even mentioning the hundreds of others also fulfilled? For example, out of the billions of people to have ever walked this planet, how many of them have been born in Bethlehem? Only a very, very small percentage. 1 out of, say, 100 million? How many of that small number were betrayed for 30 pieces of silver? Probably only one… and we still have hundreds of prophecies to go. Suffice it to say, in answer to the question, “Of the billions who have ever lived, how many fulfill the requirements of prophecy concerning the Messiah?” The answer: Only One even comes close. We know who He is!

We have noted the fulfilling of only eight of the more than three hundred prophecies which Jesus actually fulfilled! If all the prophecies were considered, the odds of Jesus not being God’s Son are even less, much, much less! Because of the confidence that reasonable people can have in Jesus as being the Savior when these Scriptures are considered, it is the right thing to do to put our eternal destiny into His hands!

— Via The Bradley Banner, June 24, 2007, published by the Bradley church of Christ

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Hebrews 1:1-2

“God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.”

 — NASB

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service
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).
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Contents:

1) “400 Years of Silence” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)

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“400 Years of Silence”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

The period between the end of the book of Malachi and the time of Christ’s coming to earth is often referred to as the “400 years of silence.” It is commonly referred to in this way because, in those years, no inspired books were written. Since this is true, some might assume that God left man alone and waited for Christ to be born. We might think nothing of spiritual importance happened in these years. Yet, this is not an accurate assumption of this time in man’s history.

Just because God did not inspire men to write books at this time, are we safe in assuming that this means God was not speaking to man? Were men only “counting time” for 400 years? I view these 400 years as a fascinating period in Biblical history and the broader history of men in general. Why do I say this? Living during these 400 years meant …

Men Saw Bible Prophecies Fulfilled.

A prime example of this is seen in the book of Daniel. Daniel was called to be God’s prophet when he was taken into Babylonian captivity at an early age (Dan. 1-2). While still a young man, he stood before Nebuchadnezzar, and by God’s inspiration, told Nebuchadnezzar his dream and interpreted it (Dan. 2:29-45). This dream prophesied of four coming kingdoms, three physical and one spiritual, that would arise after Babylon. It was during these four hundred years of “silence” that much of his dream was fulfilled.

Some years after the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Daniel had a vision of a ram and goat who fought with one another by the river Ulai (Dan. 8). This vision was a foretelling of the kingdoms of the Medes and Persians and their struggle and loss to the Greeks (Dan. 8:19-27). The fulfillment of these events is not recorded for us in Scripture, because it happened during those 400 “silent” years! The rise and fall of the Greek Empire (torso/thighs of brass, Dan. 2:32, 39, 7:21-22) happened during this time as well.

Yes, God’s prophecies were fulfilled during those days! Men and women with eyes to see and ears to hear would have taken note of this and realized that God is powerful and very much in control (Dan. 4:17, 32, 5:21).

Men Had the Complete Old Testament By Which To Live.

During these 400 years, the Jews would have had access to all thirty-nine Old Testament books. They had access to the knowledge of God’s word that folks in Moses’ day or David’s or Isaiah’s, etc., did not have. They had all the truth God had revealed up to that point!

In these years, the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures) was completed. Now, not only those who spoke Hebrew, but also those who spoke Greek, could see the “big picture” as they looked forward to Messiah’s coming (Jn. 4:25-26). No doubt, such knowledge of the Scripture is what kept people like Simeon and Anna faithful to God throughout their lives (Lk. 2:25-38). Remember, they would have been living at the end of these 400 years. All they had to follow was the written word of the Old Testament, and they kept it faithfully. God’s word then had the power to produce faith in people as it does today (Rom. 10:17). This is what those folks lived by until they saw the Lord’s Christ with their own eyes! Just think of the people unknown to us, but known to God, who faithfully continued in the Lord’s will all of those years. Think of those who lived near the end of those 400 years and got to see and hear Christ upon this earth! Their faith and perseverance should inspire us today.

Men Could Receive God’s Blessings.

Remember that those living in this time had passages of Scripture to comfort and strengthen them, as well as God’s promised blessings to them for their obedience. They had access to such passages as:

“I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (Ps. 37:25).

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5-6).

“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, To keep the commandments of the LORD, and his statutes, which I command thee this day for thy good?” (Deut. 10:12-13).

In addition to these passages, we know they could become wise through their study and obedience to God’s word (Ps. 119:98-100; II Tim. 3:15). Those people could read the Scriptures, learn from them, live them, and be blessed during those 400 years. They also had numerous examples of folks living by faith, living examples of those who pleased God (Heb. 11).

Those living during the 400 years were in a unique place in history. They saw many Old Testament prophecies fulfilled, and this would build their confidence that other prophecies, such as Messianic prophecies, would be fulfilled as well!

Modern-Day Applications

As I think about those folks living during the 400 years, I think we Christians have much in common with them. Can you see any similarities?

One way we are similar is that, just like those folks, we can observe fulfilled prophecies. Though they looked forward to Christ coming to earth, in our case, we point to the fulfillment of all the Messianic prophecies and look forward to the Savior’s final return (I Thess. 4:13-17; etc.). The Lord’s Christ came to this earth, and while here fulfilled 332 prophecies concerning Himself. These prophecies, such as His birth in Bethlehem (Mic. 5:2) and His crucifixion (Ps. 22), were fulfilled in remarkable detail. The existence of so many fulfilled prophecies makes it plain that God inspired the Bible we read and study (II Tim. 3:16-17)!

Not only is this the case, but we also have the completed word to guide our lives (Jude 3). Like those folks, we have access to God’s knowledge, knowledge to which the people from the first century and before did not have access. The glaring difference between us and those in those 400 years is that they lived according to the Old Testament’s mandate, but a New Testament was to come (Jer. 31:31-34)! We, on the other hand, have the completed New Testament to hear, believe, and obey (Matt. 28:18-20; Heb. 8:6-13, 12:24; II Cor. 3:6-14).

Of course, we are also aware of the fact that by following the New Testament, we will be blessed by God (Jas. 1:25; Rev. 1:3, 22:14). This principle of hearing, believing, obeying, and receiving a blessing has been seen since the beginning of time, and it is still true today! Just as folks during those 400 years were blessed when they followed the Lord’s will, so also, we today are blessed by God when we are obedient (Rev. 22:14)!

Conclusion

When we think about it, we see that describing the time between the Old and New Testaments as a time of “silence” is a misnomer. True, God did not inspire men to write a book or letter that was included in the canon of Scripture. Yet, does this mean God was “silent”? Could men today say that God has been silent since there have not been any more verbally inspired books since the first century (Jude 3)? Of course, not! We now have access to His completed word. God speaks today just as clearly as ever through the words of Christ recorded for us on the printed page (Heb. 1:1-2; Eph. 3:4; Rev. 1:3; II Tim. 2:15; etc.). Let us hear Him, believe, and obey!

— Via The Ancient Landmark, June 20, 2025

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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
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).
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Contents:

1) Remember Thy Creator (Bruce Reeves)
2) In  Active Service “…so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (Jon W. Quinn)
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Remember Thy Creator

Bruce Reeves

Many people seem to have the idea that Christianity is reserved only for those who are older. For some reason, folks have it in their mind that young people are not supposed to be interested in spiritual things. But actually nothing could be further from the truth.

Why should young people not desire to be Christians? We have the same Creator and are to love the same God as everyone else. We are to serve and believe in the same Lord and are to confess faith in the same Christ as those older than us. When young people obey the gospel we are added to the same church, we are to obey the same Bible, we are trying to reach the same heaven and avoid the same hell by overcoming the common problem of humanity, namely sin. So really now, what is the difference?

The question, “Why should a young person be a Christian?” is the wrong question in that it assumes one should not be a child of God. The proper question is: “Why should a young person not be a Christian?”

Solomon said a long time ago, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, …” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

But what does Solomon mean by the word “remember”? He means more than to just acknowledge the existence of God. The Scripture says God remembered Hannah. How did He do this? Did He just recall that she was alive? Certainly not. God remembered Hannah by taking action to help her, and we remember God by participating in active obedience to His Divine will.

How do we remember God? By thinking of His Divine person, reflecting on His goodness, meditating on His Word, and obeying His blessed commands.

— Via Roanridge Reader, March 13, 2022

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-2-

In Active Service

“…so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier”

Jon W. Quinn

The Lord describes our service in many different ways. He employs various figures of speech to illustrate various aspects of discipleship. Disciples are described as runners in a race, as sheep following a shepherd, as friends, as servants, as brethren, as living stones, as sons and daughters, as citizens of a kingdom, as new creatures… the list could go on.

One figure also used is that of a soldier. While the Bible makes it quite clear that our warfare and weaponry is spiritual, and not physical, there are still many parallels between being a successful soldier in God’s kingdom and a successful soldier in the physical realm. Paul mentions one: a soldier needs to be free from distractions as he exercises his duty (2 Timothy 2:4). Paul gives emphasis to the idea of  “active service.” That is, after all, what is involved in successful discipleship: activity.

In our own nation, the government has made provisions for its soldiers so they can train and serve with a minimum of interference of everyday concerns. Families are often provided with living quarters and access to medical care, education, inexpensive staples, etc. Reservists’ employers are asked to excuse reservists from their jobs when called up to active duty. This is so “the affairs of everyday life” will not deter the soldier from focusing on his mission. It is a detriment when military families suffer need because then the soldier’s attention and concern becomes divided. He thinks about their needs not being met instead of his work.

The victory that comes to the successful soldier who has fought the good fight of faith is eternal life (1 Timothy 6:12). In the army, a soldier who does not put forth his fair share is referred to as a “goldbricker.” The Lord has called us into “active service” and we need to be active. We need to be true and carry out our duty.

Consider some of the aspects of being a soldier of Christ:

The Weapons of the Soldier of Christ

Because the warfare is spiritual, and not physical, do not make the mistake of thinking it is not important, or fierce, or costly, or real. Do not underestimate the potential for injury or death in a spiritual war. Casualties in this war brings spiritual and eternal death!

That is not a pretend death, but real and permanent. Understand, when a faithful Christian dies physically, the Lord will raise Him up unto life eternal; death is only a passing on to victory ( John 11:24-27). But eternal death is the consequence of losing the spiritual war (Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7,8; Revelation 20:14; 21:8).

Through the media, we have seen some pretty horrific consequences of physical war. But as bad as they are, may none of us ever face the far worse consequences of suffering eternal death because we lost the spiritual conflict!

It’s a matter of tactics. You do not want to rush archers on a wall with swordsmen without some means of scaling the wall. In modern warfare, combined arms is important. Against aircraft you need anti-aircraft guns. Against tanks you need antitank guns. It is important to know your enemy.

So, let’s consider the enemy. The first thing to know is that he is not interested in peace, but in your destruction (1 Peter 5:8). No peace! No compromise! No quarter asked nor given; To surrender is to be defeated. That is important to know.

It is also important to know the battlefield. Jungle warfare is fought differently than mountain, or city warfare. Ski troops with white camouflaged uniforms would not fare well in desert combat.

So, let’s consider the battlefield (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Having considered the spiritual nature of the place of conflict, we can begin to see what weapons we need. The fortresses we seek to destroy are the sins and speculations of the world which exalt themselves against God and His righteousness; and the battle begins in our own hearts. It is there that Satan seeks to gain ground, and that is where we must stop him! “For as he thinks within himself, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7; Mark 7:20-23).

Those who have obeyed the gospel unto the remission of their sins have enlisted. Like any conflict, some go A.W.O.L. (absent without leave). But for those determined to be successful soldiers, how do we arm ourselves against Satan on this battlefield? Paul describes our panoply (a complete set of arms and armor-see Ephesians 6:10-17). The doubtful, the neglectful and the lethargic have no defense against the flaming darts of the evil one!

The Warfare of the Soldier of Christ

The “Battle Hymn of the Republic” declared “His truth is marching on.” I hope that is more than just a line out of a patriotic song for you, for it states a divine purpose God gives to His soldiers. It is amazing that people will sing the song with little or no idea what His truth is! We fight to advance God’s truth in an often hostile world; but remember, our weapons are not carnal.

The truth is the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is a truth not only to be believed but to be practiced even when conflict between the truth and the world rages (John 1:14; 3:19-21; 8:31,32; 8:43-47). We will not abandon our cause, nor our post. We will support our fellow soldiers as a band of brothers.

We are not mercenaries. We do not serve the highest bidder for our services. We serve out of loyalty, love, honor and devotion to our King. We do not serve only in times of ease, but turn tail and run when the sacrifice might be too great. We fight for the king, and we are in it for the duration. I hope that all of us would be able to affirm that this is so. Our warfare will be over when the Commander says so (1 Corinthians 15:54-58).

Final Thoughts on Warfare and Good Soldiering

With confidence in God, when the battle is engaged and the world issues a challenge, such as Goliath did, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together” (1 Samuel 17:10), we will respond with the assurance of faith, as David did, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). The goal of this warfare is not to inflict harm on fellowmen, but by fighting the fight to win some for Christ. It is to purify our hearts, and influence others to do the same. That is why we must be prepared for the defense and confirmation of the gospel.

So many today fail to understand that without this warfare, there is not real discipleship. Often, we are expected to be docile, non-challenging, laid back and to only discuss these matters in the most compromising and tepid ways. While the Christian’s speech should always be “seasoned as it were, with salt” and we should be careful as to “how we answer each one” and seek to be at “peace with all men so far as it depends on you”… at the same time we must faithfully discharge ourselves as soldiers on a battlefield enrolled in active service. Our enemy seeks to destroy, his time is shortened, our victory over him will be everlasting. But for there to be victory, first the battles must be fought and won.

 — Via The Bradley Banner, 2/24/2008, published by the Bradley Church of Christ

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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
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).
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Contents:

1) Set for the Defense (Wayne S. Walker)
2) “Come Before Winter” (Joshua Welch)
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-1-

Set For the Defense

Wayne S. Walker

“…I am set for the defense of the gospel” (Philippians 1:17, KJV). As Christians whose duty it is to share the gospel of salvation with those who are lost, we need to be acquainted with the evidences of Christianity. In Philippians 1:17, Paul wrote about the motives of certain teachers, saying, “But the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel” (NKJV). To use the familiar language of the King James Version, as Paul went about trying to teach truth and save souls, he said that he was set for the defense of the gospel. And we should be set for the defense as well.

I. What it means

Being set for the defense of the truth involves the study of what is known as “evidences.” We read in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” W.E. Vine defines the word translated “evidence” as “a proof, proving, test.” The mere fact that faith exists is by itself evidence that things not seen must exist, but that faith in turn must be based on credible evidence. The study of evidences is often called “apologetics,” from the Greek word apologia. It means, according to Vine, “A verbal defense, a speech in defense.” It is found in 1 Peter 3:15: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” The purpose of this series is to give a defense of the reason for our faith and hope.

II. What we teach

In being set for the defense, we affirm the existence of God as the Creator. We learn in Genesis 1:1 that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” We also affirm that the Bible is the word of God, a special divine revelation. Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” And we affirm that Jesus Christ is the divine Son of God, as Peter confessed of Him in Matthew 16:16: “And Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’” The strongest proof of the last, and in turn of the first two since Jesus Himself firmly believed in them, is the historical fact of the resurrection of Christ. “Concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:3-4).

III. What the foundation is

What is the foundation for the Christian to be set for the defense? There are practical reasons and rational grounds. But the most important basis is biblical. God’s people have always been set for the defense. This was true of the prophets in the Old Testament, of the apostles and other Christians in the New, and even of our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Furthermore, in Jude 3 we are told, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Christians must contend for the faith (be set for the defense of the gospel) not only to be able to share salvation with others but also to protect their own faith as well against the onsloughts of the devil in this crooked and perverse generation, and most of all, to please God.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that we are justified by faith (Romans 5:1). And once we become Christians, we are to walk by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Therefore, in order for us to please God and influence others for good, our faith needs to be strong. We need to be studying lessons from the Scriptures which will help us to have a strong faith and to teach others also, so that we may truly sing, “Lord, I believe, yes, I believe, I cannot doubt or be deceived; The eye that sees each sparrow fall, His unseen hand is in it all” (A.W. Dicus).

— Via Search for Truth, Volume XVII, Number 13,  October 27, 2024

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-2-

“Come Before Winter”

Joshua Welch

The first day of winter, for the northern hemisphere, occurs on the “winter solstice.” This year, winter solstice occurs on December 21st. Winter is a slower, more restful time for some households. There are no flowers to plant, grass to cut, and leaves to rake. Outdoor sports slow down in the cold. It gets dark early making for earlier evenings. While winter prohibits us from certain actions, it opens the door to other opportunities as well. So, instead of looking at winter with the dread of the bleak cold and darkness we can optimistically consider its value.

Enduring winter reminds us of a comment Paul makes in the final chapter of his last epistle to Timothy, “Do your utmost to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:21). In fact, if we look at the context of this passage we will find three simple things Paul wanted as he prepared for the winter ahead.

He wanted spiritual companions. Winter can be a depressing time for some. The seasonal “winter blues” can make winter difficult. Facing the holidays is not always enjoyable for those who are grieving, lonely, or who have fractured families. Brothers and sisters in Christ can offer us encouragement during these difficult times. This is why Paul says to Timothy, “Be diligent to come to me quickly” and “Get Mark and bring him with you” in the context (2 Timothy 4:9,11). Paul wanted spiritual encouragers during the winter ahead before travel by sea was impossible. Of course, for Paul, this may have been the last opportunity to see these spiritual helpers (cp. 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Who can you give needed companionship to this winter?

He wanted to be warm. Paul writes to Timothy, “Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come…” (4:13). Paul writes from a cold prison with few luxuries (1:8). So, the basic necessities were needful. As we think of others during this bitter cold of winter may we do what we can to ensure others have their basic needs cared for (cp. Matthew 25:36; James 4:14-17). The “worthy woman” was “not afraid of snow for her household” because she ensured they had proper clothing (Proverbs 31:21). Worthy Christians look out for those who are poor and destitute to ensure they are properly clothed as well.

He wanted to be able to write and study. Paul adds, “Bring…the books, especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13). Winter may slow things down so we have more time to read and write and meditate. Paul planned to use the winter season to do more research and writing as time allowed. May we also use this slower season to spend more time reading about God’s Word and using our pen and parchment to journal our thoughts or to encourage others. What can you accomplish during the slow season of winter you fail to accomplish in the busier seasons? Use the slower time to read God’s Word and to purposefully write to edify and encourage others. Spring will be here before you know it. In the meantime, use your winter wisely.

.– Via Seeking Truth Above, Volume 3 Number 10, January 2023

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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
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.)