“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) “Making Mention Of You In Our Prayers” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)
2) New (Doy Moyer)

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“Making Mention Of You In Our Prayers”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

The apostle Paul says on several occasions that he is praying for the brethren. One of these times is when he writes to the Thessalonians (1:2). As this letter begins, Paul says he (and Silvanus and Timothy) are praying for them. What might a prayer from Paul sound like? What might he pray for the brethren?

In answering this question, we do not have to guess or conjecture. The focus of their prayer was stated in verse 3: “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” This says a great deal about the brethren at Thessalonica, considering Paul spent a relatively short time with them (Acts 17:1-10).

Their“work of faith,” “labor of love,” and “patience of hope” left such an impression on him and the others that Paul would tell the brethren that when they prayed, they remembered those characteristics in them. These virtues, demonstrated by the Thessalonians, are not just commendable but also essential for every Christian. They are the foundation of our relationship with God and our interactions with others.

I find it interesting how Paul describes each attribute. Notice it is a “work of faith.” While this is consistent with Jesus’ teaching (Jn. 6:28-29), this is not the way the world describes faith. Men want to divorce faith from any action or work, even though James tells us that “faith without works is dead” (Jas. 2:26), meaning that our actions evidence true faith. Paul knew how deep their faith was because he saw it in their actions. How do we show our faith today (Jas. 2:18; Rom. 10:16)?

The Thessalonians’ “labor of love” made an impression on Paul as well. Again, men today might not associate“labor” with “love,” but Paul did! The English word “love” is translated from the word “agape.” “Agape” love is the love that looks out for the best interests of others (Vine’s, pp. 702-704). It is a sacrificial love that ought to be in the lives of all Christians. In this case, “agape” love is a decision that is made. We will love others whether or not they love us first. In the case of Paul and the Thessalonians, we can see how their faithfulness to the Lord despite the persecution they faced would be a true “labor of love” (Acts 17:5, 8, 13)! How much do you love others? What kind of labor is it to love some people? Are you still trying, or have you given up (Matt. 22:37-39)? Don’t ever give up on showing that true, sacrificial love toward others (Matt. 5:46-47; I Cor. 13:1-8)!

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy also remembered their “patience of hope” (I Thess. 1:3). What did this mean? Understand, the word “hope” in this passage means earnest expectation. This was not a wish or a pipedream, as we often associate with “hope.” Instead, these people had been promised something and expected to receive it! In that expectation, they were patient. This means long-suffering, or enduring to receive the thing for which they hoped! Mr. Thayer includes these thoughts when defining patience: “In the NT the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings” (Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon). Truly, these people stand out in their faithfulness to the Lord. They were going to have to stand and suffer as they looked forward to something better that was to come (II Cor. 4:17)!

As we read the passage, notice where all of these things originated, “in our Lord Jesus Christ”! It is in this relationship that we can have faith, love, and hope. Dear one, are you “in Christ” or not (Gal. 3:27; Eph. 1:3)? Being “in Christ” makes all the difference in the world! In Christ, we have opportunities to enjoy faith, hope, and love, and to grow in these areas, just like the Thessalonians. These three characteristics, faith, love, and hope, are not fleeting, but they abide in Christ, as Paul said to the Corinthians (I Cor. 13:13).

In simple terms. Paul was praying that the Thessalonians would remain strong and not give up in their service to God. Let this be our prayer for fellow Christians today. If someone is not a Christian, then become one today (II Cor. 6:2; Mk. 16:16) and then be determined to mature in the Lord like the Thessalonians!

— Via The Ancient Landmark, June 1, 2025

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New

Doy Moyer

We all like new things, or at least things that are new to us. The new car, the new house, the new computer, the new …fill in the blank. We speak about the New Year and perhaps new beginnings. There is something special about newness. Sadly, we often tire of something after the newness has worn off and we are ready, again, for something else new. Yet what if we can have something new that stays new, is constantly being renewed, and forever keeps its newness? This is what we have in the gospel of Jesus!

New Creatures: When we become disciples of Jesus, we become new creatures: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Cor 5:17). As we are born again of water and the Spirit (John 3:3-5), we are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in “newness of life” (Rom 6:4). The “old self” was crucified with Jesus so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin (as is characterized by the old self). Being the “new creation” is not just a one-time event but is a continual effect of being in Christ.

Paul had more to say about putting off the old and putting on the new. If we are raised up with Christ, we are to seek the things above where Christ is (Col 3:1-2). We are to put to death the “what is earthly” in us: “sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (v. 5). Putting off the old self with its practices, we are to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (v. 10). This includes putting on “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” (vv. 12-14). With new attitudes and new hearts, we are continually renewed in Him. Likewise, Paul wrote about putting off the old self, that “former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Eph 4:22-24).

Renewed in Mind: In contrast to being conformed to the world, we are to be living sacrifices for the Lord and “transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom 12:1-2). We must not allow ourselves to slip back into the old self, conforming to the world and its evil desires. God will renew our minds daily when we trust Him.

Renewed in Courage: When faced with significant discouragement in his work, he could still say, “we do not lose heart” (2 Cor 4:1). He may have been afflicted, persecuted, perplexed, and struck down, but he knew he was not crushed, driven to despair, forsaken, or destroyed. “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (v. 16). Because of his eternal perspective, knowing that what is seen is temporary and what is not seen is eternal, he could focus on what was most important, trust God, and be renewed day by day.

A New Covenant: We live according to a “new covenant,” which was promised by the Lord through the prophets. For example, the Lord promised through Jeremiah that He would “make a new covenant” with His people (Jer 31:31-34). The Hebrews writer quotes this, calling the new covenant “better” than the old as it is enacted upon “better promises” (Heb 8). He concludes this thought by saying, “In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” It is this “new covenant” of which the Lord spoke when He gave instructions concerning the Lord’s Supper (1 Cor 11:25).

New Heavens and New Earth. The theme of newness runs from beginning to end of Scripture, pointing us to the end times in which we look forward to a “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Pet 3:8-13). This points us to heaven itself, God’s dwelling, and the “new Jerusalem” where the former things have passed away; and He who sits on the throne says, “Behold, I am making all things new” (Rev 21:1-15). The glory of God illuminates the eternal city where the newness never wears off, and God’s people will never tire or battle with the “old” again.

If we do like what is new, then we need to understand that there is nothing greater than the newness we have in Jesus Christ. We share in a new covenant, look forward to the newness of God’s presence, and, while remaining on earth, live a new life that is continually being renewed through His Spirit and His word. The old is gone. The new has come!

— Via Bulletin Articles from the Vestavia church of Christ, January 5, 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) “Please Judge Me” (Bryan Gibson)
2) Attitudes That Hinder Repentance (Michael D. Hickox)

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“Please Judge Me”

Bryan Gibson

That’s right, it’s time we flipped the script on the overused and misused slogan of so many—“don’t judge me.” Me personally, I want to know when I’m wrong—in any area of my spiritual life. I do “examine (my) own work” (Galatians 6:4); I do “judge” myself (1 Corinthians 11:31), but I may be blind to what others can clearly see.

Just to be clear, I’m not talking about the “command fire to come down from heaven” spirit of judgment displayed by James and John (Luke 9:51-56). Final judgment belongs to the Lord, but you can help me get ready for that judgment by judging me now—by pointing out my sins.

I would urge you to not judge me too hastily, to “not judge according to appearance, but…with righteous judgment” (John 7:24). But if you know the facts, and the facts point to my guilt, please love me enough to rebuke me (Revelation 3:19), because “open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed” (Proverbs 27:5). “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Proverbs 27:6), so don’t be afraid to wound me.

I would also prefer that you not judge me hypocritically, that you not be guilty of the same things of which you accuse me (Matthew 7:1-5; Romans 2:1-3). Not for my sake, because your hypocrisy doesn’t change my innocence or guilt, but for your sake. Make sure you humbly apply the same standard (the gospel) to yourself that you apply to me, and let’s both be willing to repent.

And yes, it would be easier on me (and you) if you come to me, at least initially, “in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). Circumstances may call for a sharper rebuke (Titus 1:13), and if that’s the case, it’s on me to respond with a “broken and a contrite heart” (Psalms 51:17). Bottom line—be careful in your approach, but from my standpoint, how you speak to me doesn’t change the facts. If I’m guilty of sin, that’s my biggest concern, not the manner in which you spoke.

It could be that my actions call for a public rebuke, much like Peter received at the hands of Paul (Galatians 2:13-14). And though I have no intention to do so, if I publicly teach false doctrine, I shouldn’t be surprised when you feel the need to warn others about me. Public teaching invites public scrutiny, and if necessary, public rebuke—I understand that, and I also understand that if I listen to correction along the way, it may not ever have to come to that.

“Don’t judge me”—here’s what God says about that approach: “He who refuses correction goes astray” (Proverbs 10:17). “He who hates correction is stupid” (Proverbs 12:1). “He who hates correction will die” (Proverbs 15:10). “He who disdains instruction despises his own soul…” (Proverbs 15:32).

“Please judge me”—here’s what God says about that approach: “He who regards a rebuke will be honored” (Proverbs 13:18). “He who receives correction is prudent” (Proverbs 15:5). “The ear that hears the rebukes of life will abide among the wise…he who heeds rebuke gets understanding” (Proverbs 15:31-32).

So, which is the better approach? You be the judge.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, July 31, 2025

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Attitudes That Hinder Repentance

Michael D. Hickox

In Acts 2, the apostle Peter preached to Jews who became filled with guilt over what they had done to Jesus. These Jews asked the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37). In response, “Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (verse 38). In this verse, the Holy Spirit through Peter set forth commands that must be followed to become a Christian. Besides baptism in Jesus’ name for the remission of sins, the apostle also commanded, “Repent.”

Later, in Acts 8, a man named Simon heard this same message, and was baptized into Christ (verse 13). After becoming a Christian though, Simon sinned (verses 18-19). The Lord’s apostle then commanded him, “Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee” (verse 22).

It is thus evident that both for the alien sinner and the erring Christian, repentance is part of God’s requirements for receiving forgiveness.

Consider some attitudes that hinder this needed repentance.

Ignoring the Seriousness of Sin. Some fail to repent because they don’t recognize how serious sin is. Romans 6:23 says “the wages of sin is death.” Sin, if continued in, leads one to eternity in “everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41).

Some take sin lightly because they compare themselves to other people instead of God’s will. The thought is, “Everybody sins, and my sin is no worse than anyone else’s.”

While it’s true that many people are living in sin, it’s also true that “many” are on the broad path that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13-14). If we desire to be the “few” who receive eternal life, we must measure things by God’s will. Those who do so realize that sin is despicable, and thus, turn in the opposite direction of it.

“Sweeping Sin Under the Rug.” Another pitfall is the idea that if no one finds out about a sin, it’s not a big deal.

After David committed adultery with Bathsheba, instead of acknowledging his sin and repenting, David tried to “sweep it under the rug.” He told lies and abused his position as king to cause an innocent man to be killed, all in an attempt to “cover up” sin that could never really be covered up. The end of 2 Samuel 11 states “the thing that David had done displeased the LORD” (verse 27). As this verse exemplifies, there’s no sin hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13).

Attacking the Messenger. Some fail to repent because their focus is on the faults of the messenger pointing out sin, rather than the message he proclaims. Many attack the messenger for speaking words that could lead them to eternal life.

This is a surefire way to ensure that we will not allow ourselves to be helped when repentance is needed in our lives. As the apostle Paul asked the Galatian brethren, “am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16).

Fearing Rejection. Some fail to repent for fear of being rejected by others (cf. John 12:43).

Jesus stated, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37), implying that being His disciple often involves making choices that anger even those closest to us (cf. verses 34-36). The key question is: do we love Jesus more?

Procrastinating. Still others fail to repent because they don’t have the sense of urgency needed to do so. The belief is that turning to the Lord is something to do “down the road.” This attitude pretends to know more about the future than God has revealed. None of us know how many more days we have on earth (James 4:14), or even how much longer the earth will exist (Matthew 24:36).

When sin is in our lives, may each of us determine not to allow these or any attitude to stand between us and repentance.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, August 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) Rejected by His Own (John1:11) (Mike Johnson)
2) Facets of Love (Jerry Fite)

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Rejected by His Own (John 1:11)

Mike Johnson

John 1:1-18 is considered the prologue of the book of John.  A prologue introduces a literary work, providing background information about the characters, setting, or events.  The rest of the book then explains and backs up what is in the prologue.  Unlike the other gospel accounts, John proclaims Jesus to be the son of God in the beginning.

Verses 1-2 point out that Christ was present at creation and separate from God; we learn He is divine and created the world.  In the course of time, He came to the earth as the “light” (8-9) so people could become children of God and receive salvation (1:12, 29).  However, the world generally rejected him (10).  More specifically, verse 11 says, “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.”

Speaking prophetically, Isaiah spoke about Jesus, saying, “He is despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.  And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him” (Is.  53:3).  Specifically, the Jews (“His own”) turned their backs on Him, not believing He was the promised Messiah.  They got the Romans involved, who put the Lord to death as a common criminal.  Due to their previous teaching, the Jews should have been better prepared to receive the message of Jesus than anyone else (Mt. 10:5-6).  Even later, when entering a new city, Paul would first go to the synagogue to the Jews.

Consider the opposition more specifically.  The Jews looked down on Jesus because He was from Galilee (Jn. 7:41, 52).  Concerning the specific town He was from (Nazareth), some asked if anything good could come from there (Jn. 1:46).  Jesus performed many miracles witnessed by the two major sects of His day (the Pharisees and Sadducees) who still refused to believe Him (Jn. 12:37-43).  They tried to kill or have Him arrested many times (Mt. 12:14; Mt. 26:3-4; Jn. 10:30-31).

The Jews also rejected Jesus because of misconceptions about the nature of the kingdom that He would establish.  They thought the Messiah would lead them in overthrowing the Romans.  After the miracle of feeding the 5000, certain ones were going to take him by force and make Him king (Jn. 6:15).  However, at His trial, Jesus responded to Pilate saying, “My kingdom is not of this world.  If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here” (Jn. 18:36).

Jealousy was also an issue among the many Jewish leaders.  Pilate even knew that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him because of “envy” (Mk. 15:10).  The feeling of the Jewish leaders that Jesus might cause them to lose their status and power played a role in their rejection of Him.

Jesus was even rejected in His hometown of Nazareth (Lk. 4:16-30).  People in the synagogue drove Him out from there and were about to throw Him off a cliff, “when He passed through the midst of them, He went His way” (Lk. 4:30).  At first, even Jesus’ brothers did not believe in Him (Jn. 7:5).

If Jesus’ “own” did not receive Him, imagine the reaction of those who did not fall into this category.  Sadly, the majority of the world does not accept Him today.  There are various reasons for this rejection.  Consider, however, Jesus’ statement in John 3:19-21.

And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.  But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.

Yet, despite Jesus mostly being rejected during His time on the earth, many did receive Him (1:12-13) as He continued His efforts.  Further, after His resurrection on Pentecost, Jesus’ apostles preached the gospel for the first time.  There were 3000 baptized in one day (Acts 2:41), and the church continued to grow (Acts 2:47; 4:4; 5:14; 6:1, 7).  This growth resulted from people spreading the message of Jesus locally and throughout the world (Acts 5:42; 8:1-4; Col. 1:23).

How do we handle rejection?  What do we do when even “our own” refuse to listen?  People we view as the best prospects may turn away from us as we try to teach them, as they did with Jesus.  But, we must continue our efforts and even expand our range.  Prospects are among those who are morally bankrupt (Acts 24:1-26; Jn. 4; 1 Cor. 6:9-11), rich sinners (Lk. 12:13-21; 19:2-10; 1 Tim. 6:10, 17-19),  ignorant and poor (Acts 3:14-19; James 2:1-4), highly prejudice (Gal. 1;13-14; 1 Tim. 1:13), and involved in religious error (Acts 17:22-23).  As with Jesus and the early disciples, rejection should not stop us from teaching others!

— Via Seeking Things Above

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Facets of Love

Jerry Fite

A polished cut gem can easily captivate and hold your attention. Minutes can pass quickly when you look at a diamond from one angle and admire it from another. The various angled surface cuts offer the sparkle of reflected light. A diamond’s carat weight value increases in proportion to the more expert cuts improving the gem’s symmetry. 

“Love” is a spiritual gem that is multi-faceted.  The Greeks had specific words to express love’s particular facets. For example, the Greek word “EROS” conveyed limited to “family love.” “PHILEO” conveyed “the sense of belonging,” denoting an intimate tender relationship. Then, “AGAPE” emphasized the “active good-will” toward others where one is ”seeking the well-being” of another. 

While the Greek word “eros” does not occur in the New Testament, God warns and instructs us to discipline our eyes which is often the beginning for stimulating erotic sexual love (Matthew 5:28).

The intimate sense of belonging in “phileo-love” is commanded in the New Testament. Older women are to pass along instruction to younger wives to “love” their husbands and children (Titus  2:4). Women are to do their part in their dual relationships as wives and mothers to create a close bond in their families, nurturing the sense that here, we all belong to one another. While “storge,” the Greek word limited to family love does not occur in the New Testament, the tender feelings of love (phileo) should invigorate our homes and our spiritual family relationships. 

As we dwell in God’s word, we cannot help but linger with admiration for the sparkling reflection of “agape-love.” If you do not have this love, you do not know God. Why? “God is love,” that’s why! (I John 4:9-10). Through “love” He initiated our well-being by sending His Son to die for us so we can live spiritually and eternally with Him in heaven. This godly character is manifested when we initiate love for our enemies by praying for their well-being (Matthew 5:44-45). This facet of expressing the character of God in our own lives will be a challenge, but it is one glorious pursuit in the Christian life that separates us from the world and perfects our walk with God (Matthew 5:48). 

Glimmering love is the exaltation of “Truth.” Lacking the love for truth will be a primary cause for many perishing in eternity(2 Thessalonians 2:10). If people want to know the truth of God, God’s Word is easily accessible in brick-and-mortar and online bookstores. Church websites, such as ours at Parkview, are constantly providing the truth of God’s word with every upload. Bibles in your own language may be limited in some places, but the major problem today with the Truth of God’s word is not finding it but loving it. This facet of love shines brightly, maybe glaringly so! 

Another facet of love is the “atmosphere” it creates for “faith to work.” Christians in the first  century were not distinguished by the circumcision of the flesh, but by “faith working through love” (Galatians 5:6). As we grow in the faith it must be filtered by “speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Weeds can grow, but we should “grow up in all things into Him, who is the head, even Christ.”So, love will come sometimes in the form of rebuke when we are heading the wrong direction. Paul addressed the spiritual needs of the Corinthians with distinct and direct rebuke without being condemned for being “unloving.” After his various rebukes and instruction in his first letter to the Corinthians, he closes by saying, “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus, Amen” (I Corinthians 16:24). How cruel if distinctive rebuke is a sign of the lack of love! Viewed correctly, it is how faith works through love!

— Via Glad Tidings, Vol. XXXII, No. 14, April 3, 2022

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).
 
2) Believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

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

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

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

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

——————–

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service
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) “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)
2) How We Worship God Is Significant (Joe R. Price)
3) God is the Strength of My Heart (Jesse A. Flowers)

——————–   

-1-

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

On December 7, 1941, the U.S. was bombed by the Japanese at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. In response to this act of war, something President Roosevelt called “a date which will live in infamy,” our nation assembled and united against a common enemy: an “axis of evil” in the Orient and in Europe. If the Lord wills, Saturday of this week will mark the 83rd anniversary of that horrible day. We ought to remember and respect the sacrifices of so many who lived during those turbulent times and made it possible that we, now 83 years removed from those events, still live in freedom.

Yes, it was an “infamous date” when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, but is there not an “infamous date” that each person lives when we choose to serve Satan instead of God? You see, there is a day in everyone’s life (if we live long enough to make independent decisions) when we choose to follow Satan (Rom. 3:23). James wrote, “But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (Jas. 1:14-15). This has happened to each of us at some point in our lives.

Whether or not we remember the date we first committed sin, we know God remembers it. That time is a “date which will live in infamy” in our lives. This is because, on that date, we yielded to temptation and succumbed to the onslaught of Satan. We joined ranks with the “kingdom of darkness” and died to God that day (Eph. 2:1-3, 4:17-19; I Pet. 2:9b; Col. 1:13).

This date will “live in infamy” because those of us who have learned better realize that it is for this cause, our sin, that Christ came into the world (I Tim. 1:15). He who committed no sin (I Pet. 2:22) came to this world and offered Himself as the supreme sacrifice so that men might be saved (Matt. 20:25; Jn. 1:29; Lk. 19:10; II Cor. 5:14-15).

What have we done in response? We turned from God, yielded to temptation, and sinned. From the first time we sinned, we were separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2). As we continued living in sin, we moved farther and farther away from God. Yes, the date we first sinned is a “date which will live in infamy” because, from that time forward, we were lost, undone, and lost the hope of Heaven (Eph. 2:12). We were taken captive by Satan and had no promise of eternal life with Christ. How tragic!

Unlike WWII, which lasted only a relatively short amount of time (The U.S. was involved from 1941 to 1945), our war with Satan continues so long as this world stands! Satan has been fighting with God for the souls of men since Genesis 3 and will continue until the end of time. Therefore, we have to be ever-vigilant (I Pet. 5:8) and ready to “fight the good fight of faith” (I Tim. 6:12).

How can one fight against Satan? We begin by returning to Christ and receiving remission of our sins through faith in Him, repentance of sin, confession of our faith, and baptism (Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Mk. 16:16). In becoming a Christian, we are no longer separated, but “reconciled” to God (II Cor. 5:17-18; Eph. 2:13), and in this relationship, we may “fight the good fight of faith,” wearing the “whole armor of God” (Eph. 6:13-18).

Yes, there is a “date which will live in infamy” in all of our lives, but in Christ, the sin can be forgiven, and this date can become a distant memory when we are baptized and wear Christ’s name (Acts 22:16, 11:26). Have you done this?

— Via The Ancient Landmark, December 5, 2024

——————–

-2-

How We Worship God Is Significant

Joe R. Price

The Heritage Church of Christ in Fort Worth, TX will begin using instruments of music in its Sunday evening services this fall (see http://tinyurl.com/kyopzrd). This is occurring more frequently as churches depart ever farther from the ancient order revealed in the Scriptures.

An explanation of their decision given by their pulpit minister is posted on their website. The statement reads in part, “So, wondering what is worship at Heritage like? First, understand a few basic truths. The goal of our worship is to bring us into the presence of God. We come together as God’s people and worship Him. The “how” of our worship is insignificant, the “who” we worship and praise is the most significant!” (Ibid).

True worship does indeed involve coming into the presence of God, being defined as an act of offering reverent adoration and homage to God (Gen. 22:5; Psa. 5:7; 95:6; 99:5, 9). Yet, all worship is not approved by God, as Jesus pointedly applied Isaiah to the religious hypocrites of His day (Matt. 15:7-9). It is not enough to say we are worshiping God in order for God to be pleased (cf. the Samaritans, who “worshiped on this mountain,” but not with God’s approval, Jn. 4:20-22). Worship that pleases God “must” be in “spirit and truth” (Jn. 4:23-24). Therefore, we rightly conclude that true worshipers offer homage to God that is both sanctioned by His word of truth and expressed from a heart of reverent awe and adoration. It is significant how we worship God as well as why we approach Him (the Heritage Church of Christ’s statement, notwithstanding).

We gain some insight into their decision to add instrumental music to their worship services when the statement says, “Churches of Christ have a longstanding tradition of a cappella singing” (Ibid). “Church of Christ tradition” is not a Bible concept and belies a sectarian attitude toward the church. Coming before God to worship Him with singing is not based on “Church of Christ tradition,” but on the solid ground of apostolic tradition of Scripture (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16; 2 Thess. 2:15). The use of instrumental music to worship God was added many centuries after the apostolic age, and is a clear departure from worship in the New Testament (Gal.1:6-9; 1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jn. 9).

After giving a nod to tradition, the website statement announces, “Starting this fall we will be adding an instrumental service on Sunday evenings. This will give people a choice of worshiping in an a cappella worship service or an instrumental worship service” (Ibid). Now we understand that worship as defined by the Heritage Church of Christ is a matter of personal choice and not a conviction of faith. That is why they say the “how” of our worship is “insignificant.” We would earnestly remind them of Nadab and Abihu, whose “how” displeased God and prompted their death. Not being commanded by God, their “how” failed to approach God in holiness (Lev. 10:1-3).

I emailed John Gann (minister at Heritage) and asked him to explain why they conclude the “how” of worship to be insignificant. His complete reply was, “Thanks for the email. Our web explanation is to give someone a basic understanding of what they will experience at Heritage, not to spark a theological debate.”  Either he has no Bible answer or he is unwilling to share it. Either way, his failure to answer speaks volumes (1 Pet. 3:15). God is sinned against when men change His pattern for worship. Claiming “how” God is worshiped is insignificant is of man, not God (Jn. 4:23-24; Mal. 1:6-8).

— Via Viewpoint from the Valley Grove church of Christ, July 31, 2022

——————–

-3-

God is the Strength of My Heart

Jesse A. Flowers

“Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Ps. 73:25-26, NIV).

Asaph, the psalmist, proclaims an exclusive desire for God in heaven and on earth. “Whom have I in heaven but You? And earth has nothing I desire besides You.” This signifies a deep and profound relationship where God is the ultimate source of satisfaction and fulfillment, surpassing all worldly attachments or desires.

“My flesh and my heart may fail” acknowledges the inherent limitations and fragility of human beings, both physically and emotionally. This statement highlights the reality that people are subject to aging, illness, doubt, fear, and despair. It underscores the need for reliance on a power beyond oneself, leading to the affirmation of God’s strength.

“God is the strength of my heart” indicates that God provides stability, security, and unshakable support, especially in times of weakness and hardship. The word “strength” can also be translated as “rock” or “fortress,” emphasizing God’s enduring and unchanging nature. God being “my portion forever” reflects the concept of inheritance and signifies that God is the ultimate inheritance and source of satisfaction, both in this life and the next (Psalm 73:23-24).

The psalm begins with Asaph struggling with the apparent prosperity of the wicked and the seeming unfairness of their flourishing while the righteous suffer. However, a turning point occurs when Asaph enters the sanctuary of God, where he gains an eternal perspective and realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting, while the righteous have an everlasting inheritance in God.

How extremely blessed we are to have such a God! No matter what we may be facing or enduring in this life, He is and will continually be the rock of our heart and our portion forever. Praise be to God!

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, August 2025 

——————–

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

——————–   

-1-

“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

——————– 

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.)