“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) Leaving Room for Change (Kyle Pope)

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Leaving Room for Change

Kyle Pope

Visitors to modern-day Turkey can observe an unusual sight. Many concrete homes that are scattered throughout the country have metal rebar (the ridged steel rods used to reinforce concrete structures) protruding from the top of the houses. This is not due to damage or accident, but it is a deliberate choice made when constructing a house in order to allow for expansion should the homeowner wish to add on in the future.

In writing to the divided church of Corinth in his first epistle, the apostle Paul went to great lengths to stress that the apostles and prophets of the first century were not masters to be honored, but “servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” (1 Cor. 4:1, NKJV). As “stewards” God expected certain behavior on the part of these men. Paul taught, “it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2). This faithfulness was not judged, defined, and determined by man. Paul explained, “with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court” adding, “In fact, I do not even judge myself” (1 Cor. 4:3). What a remarkable statement! As an apostle he would later declare in this very epistle, “the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37); yet that did not mean he could not stumble. Even as an apostle he had to constantly examine his own behavior by the standard of God’s word to make certain that he was indeed “faithful.” He continued, “For I know nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Cor. 4:4).

There are few in Scripture who were as bold and confident as the apostle Paul. When Elymas the sorcerer withstood him, by the Holy Spirit he called him a “son of the devil” and “enemy of all righteousness” (Acts 13:10). When Ananias the high priest commanded men to strike him, he boldly told him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!”(Acts 23:3). Paul even rebuked Peter, when he erred by withdrawing himself from social contact with Gentile Christians (see Gal. 2:11-21). Yet, coupled with this boldness was a humility that recognized even he could be wrong! Even though he could say late in his life “I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1), Paul could look back and remember a time in his life when he had “persecuted the church” (1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13). So, he would acknowledge to the Corinthians although he knew nothing “against” himself it was God who was the judge of his behavior (1 Cor. 4:4).

We are not all as well-balanced as the apostle Paul. We often find it hard to be bold and stand strong for what we believe to be right while maintaining a humility that recognizes the possibility we could be wrong. We either present ourselves with arrogance, and over-confidence or become so timid that we are unwilling to stand-up for anything. How can we avoid such extremes?—By always conducting ourselves in a way that leaves room for change on our part and on the part of those with whom we interact. We must do this…

1. When Reaching a Conviction. The Bereans are set forth in Scripture as such a wonderful example. They did not simply accept every doctrine that was set before them. Instead, they “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). This should be our attitude also! The apostle John commanded that we must not “believe every spirit but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 John 4:1). Only when we find that a doctrine or practice conforms to the teaching of Scripture should we accept it. So let’s say we have become convinced that we have rightly divided the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). What then? Does the searching stop? Paul taught that we should “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thes. 5:21). We should never be so confident of our present condition that we are unwilling to continually test our convictions. Every Christian at one time was a soul lost in sin. Only by testing our lives by the pattern of Scripture can we make certain we are not deceiving ourselves about our present condition. We must also, however, leave room for change…

2. When Arguing Our Case. What must be our attitude when we reach a conviction about something? Do we become so sure of our convictions that we act with arrogance? In arguing our case with others, do we refuse to consider even the slightest possibility we could be wrong? The Bible teaches that Christians should not act with doubt. In discussing the eating of meats, while Paul taught the Divine revelation on the matter, he ended his discussion to the Romans with the bold declaration, “But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin” (Rom. 14:23). If I leave room for change in arguing some conviction, or acknowledge that I could be wrong, does that reflect timidity or doubt? Not necessarily! It can reflect prudence.

Before the Lord spoke to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus, he had obviously studied the validity of the claims made by Christians about Jesus. He was convinced in his conviction that Jesus was a fraud. He said to King Agrippa years later, that at that time, “I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth” (Acts 26:9). What if Paul had been so convinced of his conviction, that even in the face of the miraculous blinding he received on the road, his pride prevented him from recognizing his error? The Holy Spirit teaches, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). If I become so proud of my understanding of Scripture that I am unwilling to continually test it, what happens if further study of God’s word shows I was wrong? If I don’t leave myself room to change when arguing passionately for some conviction, my pride might actually prevent me from ever being willing to acknowledge that I was wrong. Thankfully, Saul of Tarsus left himself room to change in spite of the personal humiliation and shame this surely brought to him. Finally, we must also leave room for change…

3. When Rebuking Error.We sometimes speak of someone being “backed into a corner.” What we mean by this is that circumstances have forced a person into a bad position with no good way out. When Paul addressed the disciplinary action the Corinthians had taken toward a brother in the church in Corinth he urged them after the man’s repentance, “to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow” (2 Cor. 2:7). Paul acknowledges here that even efforts to confront sin and error, if approached with the wrong attitude can result in consequences that are counter-productive. Because of this danger, it shouldn’t surprise us that when Paul commanded the Galatians to “restore” the brother or sister who “is overtaken in any trespass” he commanded that they do so “with a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1a). He isn’t talking about a timidity that ignores sin. He is warning about attitudes that might constitute sin or lead to further sin. They were commanded to approach this “with a spirit of gentleness considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Gal. 6:1b). This temptation could involve temptation to engage in the sin being rebuked, temptation that might arise from a negative reaction on the part of the one being rebuked, or even temptation to handle the encounter in a way that constitutes sin on the part of those bringing the rebuke.

It is true that sin and error must be rejected for one to be right with God, but what if a brother or sister approaches me about my error or sin in such a way that my pride is aroused? That doesn’t excuse my sin, but it may leave me with no good way to correct my error. When we rebuke those who are in error we want them to realize that they are wrong, but if we do this in a way that mocks them, belittles them, or assumes things about their motives or character that we are not in a position to know, we may well “back them into a corner.” If I am left with no honorable room to change without feeling abused or treated with disrespect, the very efforts to correct my wrong may actually provide a temptation to defend myself no matter what! In such a case, although I may actually be in the wrong, the one who rebuked me left me no room to change and my pride led me to accept anything other than the truth brought to me in such a harsh way. 

Conclusion. This isn’t a “magic formula.” Sometimes even those approached with great gentleness rebel against the word of God and continue in error. Sometimes, we fall so in love with ideas we imagine in our hearts, that even when the word of God shows such things to be false we continue to passionately embrace them. Yet, for the “good and honest heart” (Luke 8:15, LO) who leaves room for change in his own life and in the lives of those he encounters, like that rough rebar sticking out of the concrete walls of homes in Turkey, he allows himself room to grow and build his life continually on the sound teaching of God’s word.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Issue 17.35, September 6, 2015

——————– 

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) “Made Like His Brethren” (Kyle Pope)

——————–

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“Made Like His Brethren”

Kyle Pope

In Shakespeare’s Henry the Fifth king Henry disguises himself before battle and goes among his people. While the people don’t realize who he is, he speaks to them about himself saying: “…I think the King is but a man, as I am. The violet smells to him as it doth to me, the element shows to him as it doth to me, all his senses have but human condition” (IV.i.105-108). The second chapter of the book of Hebrews tells us about a time when the King walked among us; a time when His senses felt the “human condition.”

To a generation, like our own, that was fascinated with angels (see Colossians 2:18), the Hebrew writer begins the book by showing that Jesus was superior to angelic beings (1:5-13). While those divine messengers had carried the oracles of God (1:14-2:4), man was the focus of His plan of salvation (2:5-8). The writer offers as proof of this the fact that Jesus Himself, did not become like the angels, but “lower than the angels” in order to “taste death for everyone” (2:9 NKJV). The writer brings out four facts about this that serve as recurring themes throughout the book:

I. Perfection through suffering (2:10). The writer tells us that Jesus, the Author of salvation, was made “perfect through suffering” (2:10c). Jesus was not immune to pain. He was not sheltered from the harshness of the human condition. His humanity allowed Him to feel what it was like to suffer while “being tempted” (2:18). This put Him in a position to “sympathize with our weaknesses” (4:15). The perfecting to which the Hebrew writer refers was not the attaining of flawlessness; Jesus already possessed that. Rather, it was the completion of the task which made Him a worthy High Priest. The Greek lawmaker Solon once said, “you must learn to obey before you command” (Diogenes Laertius, i. 60.6). While Jesus did not have to experience human suffering to become worthy of the right to command, having done so He more than deserved to be“crowned with glory and honor” (2:9b). The writer declared later: “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things that He suffered” (5:8).

II. Unity with those sanctified (2:11-13). The word hagiazō, translated “sanctified” means, “to separate from profane things and dedicate to God” (Thayer). In most cases the one who sanctified something was distinct from that which was sanctified. An owner of a flock or herd dedicated the first-born from the sheep or cattle to God (Deuteronomy 15:19). The owner of a field dedicated it to the Lord (Leviticus 27:22). God set apart for Himself the Sabbath (Exodus 31:13a), the priests (Exodus 30:30) and the Israelites (Exodus 31:13b). Christ’s humanity accomplished something quite different. In “bringing many sons to glory” (2:10b) through the gospel, He set them apart in sanctification to God. He did this while sharing their humanity. The writer tells us,“both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are one” (2:11a).

This oneness with the sanctified effects both mankind and Jesus Himself. The writer tells us because of unity with the sanctified, “He is not ashamed to call them brethren” (2:11b). While Christians certainly can bring Christ shame through sin (6:6), His humanity made our own adoption as sons possible. We are not illegitimate children. We are not the “black sheep” of the family. Because of who Jesus is He, the Son of the ruler of heaven, need not be embarrassed to acknowledge us as family. What a beautiful statement the writer recounts from Psalm 22:22, “I will declare Your name to My brethren.” John, centuries after the Psalmist, declared “what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God” (I John 3:1). As children of the same Father, what love the Father has bestowed upon us that we and His Son Jesus are called “brethren!”

III. Shared flesh and blood (2:14-15). Before the gnostic heresies that denied that Deity could become flesh; before the unauthorized church councils that sought to creedalize, rationalize and encapsulate the humanity of Christ; before the false doctrine of original sin forced theologians to claim that Christ’s humanity was in some way distinct from the rest of Adam’s seed; the Hebrew writer declared simply, “as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same” (Hebrews 2:14a). The word translated “partaken” (“share” NASB) is the word koinoneō, the verb form of the familiar noun koinonia, translated “fellowship” or “communion” in most translations. The word translated “share” (“took part” KJV) is the word metechō which combines the prefix meta meaning “with” and the verb echō meaning “to have.” Jesus participated with us in humanity. He had, together with us, flesh and blood. He was “in all things” made like His brethren (2:17).

Jesus’ sharing our flesh and blood was important for a number of reasons. First, as noted above, this fellowship with us in a fleshly body made Him fit to command those who are flesh. Second, without a shared human nature, kinship with humanity could not be fully realized. We wouldn’t be His brethren. Yet, the Hebrew writer points out a third thing that demanded shared humanity: the destruction (2:14b), release (2:15a) and liberation from bondage to death (2:15b). Three times in the Old Testament we find the simple assertion that God is“not a man” (Numbers 23:19; I Samuel 15:29; Job 9:32). The Hebrew writer will remind us later “it is appointed for men to die” (9:27). God could not have simply taken away man’s subjection to death without compromising His own holiness. Only when God in the flesh chose to “lay down” His life and then “take it again” (John 10:17,18) could the justice and mercy of Deity be satisfied, and bondage to death be overcome. In doing this, Jesus became a “merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God” (2:17b).

IV. Aid to the seed of Abraham (2:16-18). Near the end of chapter two the writer makes one final point which demonstrates Christ’s superiority to angels and His focus on human salvation. He writes, “He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham” (2:16). God gave Abraham the promise, “in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice” (Genesis 22:18). In the New Testament we learn that this promise pointed directly to the coming of Jesus (Galatians 3:16) and indirectly to those who would have faith in Jesus (Galatians 3:29). A Christian is of the “seed of Abraham” because they have a kinship of faith. The Hebrew writer shows us that Jesus’ humanity enables Him to “give aid” to the children of Abraham. The primary way that Jesus does this is in His capacity as our High Priest. In His death Jesus was “offered once to bear the sins of many” (9:28), but this did not end His efforts on behalf of mankind. The Hebrew writer tells us that Jesus “ever lives to make intercession” for His people (7:25). In this capacity Jesus’ humanity is of great importance to us. An advocate who knows nothing about the problems, circumstances, pains and trials of the one he represents is in a poor position to stand before the judge on behalf of that person. On the other hand, a mediator who has shared common experiences with their client brings to their representation a passion, empathy and awareness which can affect the outcome of judgment.

In addition to this, the Hebrew writer suggests that Jesus can offer aid “to those who are tempted” (2:18). Paul told the Corinthians that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what “we are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape” (I Corinthians 10:13). This tells us something about the expectations of God. He is not going to ask anything of us that we do not have the ability to do. It also tells us something about the oversight of God. In His providential care for us, He will not allow life circumstances to place tempting situations before us which cannot be overcome. If we place such temptations before ourselves it is our fault, not God’s. The fact that Jesus has experienced being tempted “in all points as we are, yet without sin” (4:14) allows Deity to have an even greater awareness of what temptations pose the greatest dangers to us.

V. Giving More Earnest Heed (2:1-4). The great beauty of the Hebrew writer’s encouragements to us is the fact that they are more than simply theological dissertations. There are very practical considerations that these truths should motivate. Chapter two begins with the words, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away” (2:1). All that Jesus has done for us; all that He became and endured will mean nothing to us if we “drift away.” The writer reminds us that the “signs and wonders” together with “various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit,” were the means by which God was “bearing witness” to the validity of what Jesus and His apostles and prophets spoke (2:4). Just as punishment was demanded for those who violated the Law of Moses (2:2), the practical question which the Hebrew writer places before us is “how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation” (2:3)? May we in our own lives allow what Jesus became for us to motivate an ever earnest heed to all that God has spoken.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 18, Issue 45 (November 6, 2016)

——————– 

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) “Remember His Marvelous Works” (Kyle Pope)
2) Sword Tips #33 (Joe R. Price)

——————–

-1-

“Remember His Marvelous Works”

Kyle Pope

Not all people enjoy the study of history. For some it is an arduous task that is not relevant to our modern day lives. Others are fascinated by the people, cultures, and events that went before us. While it is not necessary for the child of God to become an expert in ancient history, the Holy Spirit teaches us in Psalm 105 that an appreciation of God’s marvelous works in the past should lead those who would serve God to certain behavior in the present.

An overview of the Psalm reveals that the writer starts with ten instructions that recollection of God’s deeds in the past should lead us to carry out. (We will come back to these below). The Psalmist then calls the reader’s attention to how God has honored His covenant with Abraham.

1. He has protected His people from their enemies (vss. 13-15).“He permitted no one to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes” (105:14, NKJV). If the context follows a historical order, this may refer to God’s warning to Abimelech, king of Gerar when he might have harmed Abraham in order to take Sarah for himself (Genesis 20:3).

2. God has put His own people in positions of power (vss. 16-22).Through the providence of God, when the family of Jacob might have perished in the famine, God allowed Joseph’s misfortune to become the salvation of the Israelites (Genesis 50:20). 

3. God allowed Israel to increase in number (vss. 23-25).“He increased His people greatly, And made them stronger than their enemies” (105:24). Although in a strange land of pagan gods, Israel flourished and grew in number even after Joseph (Exodus 1:7).

4. God delivered Israel from Egyptian oppression (vss. 26-36). Through the plagues that God brought upon Egypt this mighty nation was forced to release the very people they had once oppressed. “Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen upon them” (105:38).

5. God provided for the needs of His people (vss. 37-41). The Psalmist recounts God’s miraculous provision for Israel in the wilderness, leading them by cloud and fire (vs. 39), feeding them with quail and manna (vs. 40) and giving them water from the rock in the midst of a parched wasteland (vs. 41).

The Psalmist ends with a brief summary of what the result of all this was (vss. 42-44) and why God had done it (vs. 45).

The ten admonitions at the beginning of the Psalm are powerful commands that speak to the one who would serve God about what God’s deeds in the past should produce in us. These fall into three categories:

I. Laudatory Instructions. “Oh, give thanks to the LORD!” (105:1a). Gratitude is so important for children of God. It leads us to view things in perspective and prevents us from ignoring blessing we have already received. “Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him” (105:2a). For God’s people, music is more than entertainment; it is a gesture of worship and a vehicle of praise. “Glory in His holy name” (105:3a). When God’s people witness, through the recounting of biblical events, the grandeur of God’s glory, they should themselves “glory” in the realization that they serve such a glorious God. This can only happen if His people, “Remember His marvelous works which He has done, His wonders, and the judgments of His mouth” (105:5). The child of God should never view biblical history as boring or irrelevant, because it reveals to us the very things which should motivate us to faith and inspire within us a longing for the promises of God in the future.

II. Exclamatory Instructions. “Make known His deeds among the peoples!” (105:1c). The one who truly believes and understands what God has done will be compelled to declare such things to other people. “Talk of all His wondrous works!” (105:2). If a follower of the Lord finds it difficult to talk to other people about the truth, it may be because he or she either does not know as much about God’s deeds as one should or the person doesn’t fully believe in His “wondrous works.” The Holy Spirit shows us in this Psalm that a true understanding of God’s works should create within us an evangelistic zeal to tell other people about what God has done.

III. Probatory Instructions. The child of God is one who has, and continues to “Call upon His name” (105:1b). From the time in which Seth, the third son of Adam had his own son Enosh, human beings have “called” on the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26). This is not prayer alone, but directing our trust and obedience towards the Lord. It is seeking His guidance, His blessings and a willingness to follow His way within our lives.“Let the hearts of those rejoice who seek the LORD!” (105:3). Three statements are made about “seeking” God. First, those who do so should rejoice. It is the purpose and focus of our lives and all that God has done for us to seek Deity (see Acts 17:26,27). This should not be a chore, but something about which we rejoice. Second, we should “Seek the LORD and His strength” (105:4a). The great power of God that is demonstrated in God’s great deeds in the past should lead His people to seek for even greater wonders in the age to come. Third, we must “Seek His face evermore!” (105:4b). While in this life we cannot see the face of the Lord and live (Exodus 33:20), our hope is that in the age to come we may eternally behold Him as He is (I John 3:2).

Finally, let’s notice the last words of the Psalm. All that God had done for Israel had put them in a position, when the Psalmist wrote, that they could with confidence recognize that God kept His word (vs. 42). They had been brought out of Egypt (vs. 43) and given a new land for which they had not worked, but which was “the labor of the nations” (vs. 44). They should have learned from that to trust the Lord and be faithful to Him. Sadly, Israel as a whole did not.

Why then had God done these great deeds? The Psalm ends with an answer to this question: “That they might observe His statutes and keep His laws. Praise the LORD!” (105:45). God wants the obedience of His people. This has been true in all ages and it remains true today. When the Christian looks back at God’s deeds in the past he should allow the remembrance of God’s “marvelous works” to move him to greater faith, confidence and obedience to God in the present. After all, in Christ, God has done even more marvelous things for us.

 — Via Faithful Sayings, Issue 12.44, October 31, 2010

——————–

-2-

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

Sword Tips #33                         

 Joe R. Price

“So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’” (Luke 17:10).

The duty of faith compels us to serve God by doing all he commands of us. Some mistakenly think that obeying God’s commandments is an attempt to merit or earn salvation.

Far from it.

We are “unprofitable servants” – especially when we “have done all those things” he has “commanded” of us.

Obedient faith earns nothing.

Yet without it, we are not faithful servants of God. Our dutiful service to the Master is to obey Him.

Today, and every day, do all that God commands you.

By doing so, you will be His dutiful, faithful servant.

 ——————–

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).
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Contents:

1) Pen Points 17 (Doy Moyer)
2) Inapproachable Light (Jon W. Quinn)

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Pen Points 17

Doy Moyer

Infinite Understanding

“Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite” (Psalms 147:5).

We may not agree with God. We may think we can do it better. We may think God unfair based upon our measly knowledge and understanding of reality. But if our response is to straw man God, to diminish who He is, to short-change His knowledge and understanding because we somehow have things figured out that we think He couldn’t know or understand, then we have only deified ourselves in our own arrogance.

His understanding is infinite. If we won’t allow that this is the God of Scripture, then we are no longer talking about that God, but another god of our own making. And once we start making up our own gods, we put ourselves at the head of that pantheon and think that any god should be answerable to us.

Ruler And Shepherd

“For from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel” (Matthew 2:6).

This is a compressed reference from Micah 5:2-4. It is no accident that “ruler” and “shepherd” are the chosen points of emphasis. Nor is it an accident that Matthew and Luke together stress this through 1) the visit of the wise men who ask, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews?” and 2) the visit of the shepherds who glorify God at the birth of Jesus. “Ruler” and “shepherd” are both seen in these accounts and show how the Gospels intended to demonstrate the truth of these positions.

The rule of Jesus is characterized by the shepherding of His people. As King, His rule is absolute. As Shepherd, His leadership is loving and sacrificial (see John 10). The Ruler who shepherds His people has come. This is one reason the incarnation is so important.

The wise men came to worship the King.

The shepherds came to worship the Shepherd.

The good news is that this Ruler and Shepherd is also our Savior. And we all need that!

Be Thankful

When someone says, “I’m thankful,” to whom is this person thankful? Thankfulness is an expression of gratitude or appreciation; but to make sense, it must be directed to one who has given or made the circumstances possible in which that expression finds meaning. Just saying “I’m thankful” into the air is pointless. Gratitude is meaningful when we recognize that one has given grace and we feel a sense of indebtedness for it.

Christians, of all people, should feel that sense of gratitude and therefore be thankful to God for what He has given. “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:15-16).

True Love

True love is not about infatuation, mushy feelings, and giddy joy. While these may occasionally attend love, true love is found in the trenches of life. Love is knowing that at the end of the day, you have each other’s backs. It’s working through difficulties and not having to fear that the next disagreement or bad mood will result in a destroyed marriage or friendship. True love is about forgiveness, reconciliation, steadfast loyalty, and absolute commitment. It is not just feelings, but is shown in dedicated action. It is providing support, lifting each other up, and seeking first the needs of one another. It is striving to love as Christ loved and gave Himself for us. It is hard work, but always worth it.

Grace In Truth

The grace of God through Jesus Christ is one of the most powerful concepts to consider. We stand in the grace of God as we have peace (reconciliation) with Him (Romans 5:1-5). As great as this is, it is also a concept that can be twisted, perverted, turned into a license to sin (Romans 6:1-5; Jude 1:4). This is why we must understand the grace of God in truth (Colossians 1:3-6). Since God has offered it to us, our response needs to be one of gratitude and thankfulness so that we will “continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). Our confidence is to be in the Lord and the promises He makes, and our hope is firm and steadfast, the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19). Our loyalty and faithfulness must be firm as well, never casting away our confidence in Him (Hebrews 10:35).

— Via Daily Exhortation 1527, June 5, 2025

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Inapproachable Light

Jon W. Quinn

“…He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and the Lord of lords; who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen” (1 Timothy 6:15b,16).

Consider and reflect. Here we have a description of our Creator. I would like us to focus on the idea of “inapproachable light.” The apostle John described God’s moral purity this way: “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). God’s presence is unapproachable by mortal man, partly because of the glories that surround His throne. The light would be unbearable to us in our present mortal state. When men have been granted the opportunity to be given a glimpse of this other-worldly light, the blaze of the glory shined as the sun and brighter yet. Peter, James and John stood in awe as they witnessed the transfiguration of Jesus. Fourteen hundred years before that, Moses’ face shined for days after having been with the LORD on the mountain. If one lacks the proper awe and reverence for God in this life, at the judgment seat of Christ their disdain will one day melt away in awe. Irreverence will be replaced with what should have been there all along. Let this respect for God and all things holy be in our hearts and lives now! Reverence now will bring forth reverence and joy then. “…and His face was like the sun, shining in its strength” (Revelation 1:16b).

Because God shelters us from gazing directly at His glory today, we have not seen Him. We are simply not equipped to see God currently. The closest we can come is to look at Jesus, the Son of God and learn of God’s character. “And He is the image of the invisible God…” (Colossians 1:15). It is not that Jesus looked like God in physical appearance, but rather He possesses the love and patience and holiness of the Father. He reveals the Father to us.

One day that will all change when He equips us with spiritual bodies and then we shall directly look upon the face of our Creator for the first time. God told Moses that “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live” (Exodus 33:20). The privilege of seeing God face to face will have to wait until the next age. For now, we must know God by faith in His Son, who has revealed the Father to us.

“To Him be honor and dominion!” Paul exclaimed. The best thing one can do is honor God as God throughout our days here. Then, at the proper time, the Redeemer will return to take us home to the Father. To be ready for that hour, with reverence, we keep the commandments of God (1 Timothy 6:11-14).

“By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. We love, because He first loved us” (1 John 4:17-19).

— via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, June 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) Wrath (Brent Paschall)

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Wrath

Brent Paschall

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).

Wrath is the moral indignation produced when a wrong is perceived. The Scriptures are full of descriptions of the righteous wrath of God (Rom. 1:18), and its consequences for the wicked (Rev. 14:9-10). At the same time, the Scriptures are full of warnings against the destructive effects of human wrath. Both by precept (Eph. 4:31) and example (Gen. 4:3-8) we learn that storing up (Prov. 26:24-26) or giving vent (Prov. 29:11) to anger can lead us into sin and folly. Even passages that affirm the need for righteous indignation (Psa. 4:4; Eph. 4:26) tell us to keep it within narrow bounds, lest it overrun our self-control. Why is God’s wrath right and man’s wrath wrong?

God’s Wrath Is Always Right

God’s wrath is always right because He has a perfect understanding of right and wrong. He also has perfect and complete perception of every situation in which those standards appear to have been violated. He has perfect wisdom to judge the proper response to every infraction, as well as perfect foresight in order to bring about a just outcome without violating the prerogatives of others. As a result of these perfections, God never makes an error in determining whether wrong has occurred, who is responsible, what the appropriate consequences and punishments are, and where, when, and how to administer them. When we refer to God as a just God, a holy God, and a righteous God, we are reminding ourselves of God’s perfection in these matters.

Man’s Wrath Is So Often Wrong

Man’s wrath is so often wrong, because in every way that God is perfect, man is imperfect. First of all, we have an imperfect understanding of right and wrong. “By reason of use” and by consuming the “solid food” of God’s word our senses can be “exercised to discern both good and evil” (Heb. 5:14). But the most “mature” or “perfect” of human beings falls far short of God’s perfect understanding of right and wrong. Many human beings act as though whatever helps them get what they want or need is right and whatever hinders them is wrong. This infantile moral perspective is appropriate and necessary for infants; but, retained into adolescence and adulthood, it becomes the root of much anger and much sin in the world. Even the most mature must be on guard for “infant morality” asserting itself, especially when surprised, busy, tired, ill, discouraged or otherwise not at our best.

In addition, our perceptions are so often skewed and incomplete. It is a simple fact that we perceive wrongs against our self and our loved ones much more strongly than wrongs against others. We have all run into persons who were grossly offended at a minor slight they had suffered and oblivious to a serious wrong they had committed against another. Not only that, we have been that person. If we want to be perfectly fair to others, we should probably assume that our wrong actions have been much more hurtful than we could imagine, and that the harm we have experienced is much less serious than we perceive it to be. Instead of finding it necessary to be angry and indignant, we might instead find it necessary to apologize and seek and provide forgiveness. Even when a totally innocent victim, we should follow Paul’s teaching:

Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:17-21).

We have another perception problem. Even if we manage to strike a perfect balance in dealing with injustice in our own life, we still tend virtually to ignore all the other injustices we are not directly involved in, many of which are much more serious than the injustices we commit or suffer. There may be many things we ought to be upset about, but we aren’t because we aren’t paying attention. It’s a good thing that God is in charge of the world, and not us!

Be Angry and Sin Not

Making good choices in the moment is the constant challenge of human life. It is a challenge that is made more difficult when the emotions of rage, anger, and wrath are welling up. The feeling, “I have to say something! I have to do something!” is difficult to deny. If we speak “rash words,” the effect may be “like sword thrusts” (Prov. 12:18). If we succumb to our impulses, we will be doubly angry: angry about the perceived wrong now and angry about our foolish response later.

James 1:19 tells us to be “slow to speak, slow to wrath.” Wise men have sometimes made rules for themselves, like counting to ten before speaking when angry. Julius Caesar is said to have had the practice of reciting the whole Roman alphabet before allowing himself to speak when provoked, but Christians can do even better than that. Solomon tells us, “Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth” (Eccl. 5:2). We have already established that God always knows how to correctly respond to wrong. Since that is the case, we would do well to pray to our Father who is in heaven, rather than recite numbers or letters, that we may avoid an ill-judged or sinful word or action in a moment of anger.

If I have the habit of stumbling into sin through anger, I have work to do. Paul says,

… now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.… , seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.… Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Col. 3:8–14).

May God bless us as we seek to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,” knowing that “the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God” (James 1:19–20). 

— Via Truth Magazine, April 2015, Volume 59, No. 4, pp. 4-5 

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume59/2015_04_Apr_Truth_Magazine.pdf

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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.)