Month: September 2025

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).

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Contents:

1) “A Memorial For a Sacrificial Woman” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)
2) Which Could Be Said of You? (Mike Richardson)

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“A Memorial For a Sacrificial Woman”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

Toward the end of Christ’s life, a woman poured expensive ointment on Him (Matt. 26:7). From John, we learn that Mary, Lazarus’ sister, anointed Him (Jn. 12:3). As the ointment was poured on Christ, some disapproved of her actions. John identifies Judas as one of those who took issue with her, complaining the oil could have been “sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor” (Jn. 12:5).

Judas only did this because he had the “bag” and was a thief (Jn. 12:6). He called anointing Jesus a “waste” (Matt. 26:8). Jesus corrected the naysayers by saying that this was done in preparation for His coming burial (Matt. 26:12; Jn. 12:7). In a room full of people who still did not comprehend that Christ would die soon, it no doubt shocked them to hear Jesus say she was doing something in preparation for His burial.

Christ said, “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matt. 26:13). In obedience to Christ’s command, let us memorialize this generous lady. What does the pouring of this oil on Christ teach us?

This Was An Act Of Faith.

Remember, Jesus said this was done “to prepare me for burial” (Matt. 26:12, ESV). She acted in faith for what was to come soon. The others did not believe Jesus would die at this point; they awaited an earthly kingdom ruled by Jesus. Yet, this lady understood and attempted to “do what she could” for the Lord. She had listened to the Lord long enough to grasp what His real work was!

This Was An Act Of Courage.

When we read Matthew 26 and John 12, it is clear that though Jesus is surrounded by several, she is the only one acting in this manner. It takes courage to do something when no one else is. We can add to this the fact that when she started to anoint Jesus, the disciples complained loudly about what she was doing. Yet, she continued to act in faith. Indeed, it would take courage to continue when others protested.

This Was An Act Of Generosity.

The price of the oil was “three hundred pence” (denarii, shillings, coins, Jn. 12:5), which was about a year’s wage. This lady poured out a year’s wages in moments! Was this wasteful? Although Judas and others claimed so (Matt. 26:8), it was a generous act toward her Savior! The oil’s price was insignificant compared to the One she anointed! This act demonstrated incredible generosity.

A Memorial

Why should we remember this act? First, it is a memorial to her for what she did for the Lord. Additionally, doesn’t this show us how we need to act? Christians must act with faith, courage, and generosity as we walk this earth. It is increasingly clear that this is necessary as our society continues to deteriorate. As time progresses, it will be harder to be a Christian. Hence, we need to embody the faith, courage, and generosity of heart to follow the Lord and remain faithful to the taking of our lives (Rev. 2:10)! Let us never forget the actions of this meek and blessed lady! May we obey the Lord’s commands and proclaim her example wherever the gospel is preached!

— Via The Ancient Landmark, May 28, 2025

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Which Could Be Said of You?

Mike Richardson

It is interesting to notice how the Bible describes different people in Scripture. There is a great contrast between two kings of Judah that I would like to draw to your attention. The first king we notice is identified as Hezekiah and the second king we will observe is named Manasseh. Two men who reigned as kings, but have different descriptions about the type of men they truly were.

Notice in 2 Kings 18:3 the description of Hezekiah. “And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done.” Now observe the description of Manasseh in 2 Kings 21:2. “And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.”

Before us we have two men who had risen to power to reign as king over Israel. They were placed in a position of great authority and as the leader of the nation of Judah and they had a great responsibility put on them. They needed to remember to do the will of God in whatever capacity they found themselves in.

We observe that Hezekiah did what was right in the sight of the Lord. He sought to do the will of God. He remembered the covenant God made with His people. He was diligent to follow the will of God “according to all that his father David had done.” Hezekiah was not perfect; he struggled with sin as we read in 2 Kings. However, his heart was to please God and when he fell short and sinned, he would get up, repent, and return to God.

However, when we look at Manasseh, he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not act according to his father David, but according to the sins and abominations of the pagan nations that God had cast out of Israel. He did not seek the will of God, but rather sought his own lusts and selfish ways.

The contrast between these two kings gives us several lessons to observe.

1. Some don’t care about God’s will and do not seek to obey Him. This can be a temptation to people in a position of authority. People who are accustomed to others “answering” to them can be tempted to forget they answer to God. One can forget they are under the authority of God and must submit to His will. This can be a temptation to people who are spiritual leaders. One must be on guard lest they forget they are under the authority of Christ (Matt. 28:18). This is also a dangerous temptation to every man and woman.

Look at the world today and see how many seek to do their own will with no regard to God’s Word. God allows man to ignore His will and live in rebellion and do that which is evil in His sight. However, God had declared there will be a day of reckoning and when the consequences are handed down no one can blame God. He has gone to great lengths to save us from our sins. He has revealed His will and we can understand it and submit to it or we can reject it, but we will answer for it (Matt. 7:21). Who are you more like in this regard – Hezekiah or Manasseh? 

2. God’s will can and should be done. God does not give us impossible guidelines. His will is for our good. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). That does not mean it is always easy to do the right thing. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will” (Matt. 26:39). Jesus prayed while facing the cross, yet through the cross He provided salvation for us.

Doing the will of God means that I deny myself and my own will if it conflicts with God’s perfect will (Matt. 16:24). You can do God’s will – the question is, “Will you?” Which can be said of you, that you “do that which is right in the eyes of God” or “do that which is evil in the eyes of God”? Manasseh finally came to his senses and repented after living in rebellion so many years (2 Chron. 33:12-13). It took Manasseh hitting rock bottom before he realized his need for God. What would it take to bring you to realize your need to submit to the will of God (James 4:7)?

3. Results of doing God’s will. The problem with many today is not that they don’t know enough to do God’s will, it is they don’t care enough to live it. Many refuse to live up to what they know. However, if we lived as close to God’s will as we could what would be the results? 1) God would accept us, 2) God would be glorified, 3) it would be for our good, 4) it would be a good example to others.

Not doing the will of God results in following the wicked one (2 Cor. 4:4). Which could be said of you, that you are doing right in the eyes of God or evil in His sight?

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, September 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) Giving Reason for Your Hope (Jerry Fite)
2) Bring Joy to My Soul (Psalm 86:4-5) (Mike Johnson)

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Giving Reason For Your Hope

Jerry Fite

Peter exhorts us to set apart or sanctify Jesus as Lord in our hearts. Accompanying the will and emotions with obedience to our Lord, the world should find us “being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that lies within you…” (I Peter 3:15).

Are you ready? Are you prepared to give your defense (apologia) regarding the hope that should be alive in the heart of every Christian? Hope is the confident desire for heaven that we have when we hear the truth of the Gospel and submit to its conditions for salvation (Colossians 1:5, I Peter 1:22). Peter implies that hope is of interest to others, that upon observing your conduct in the Lord they ask “why” such hope thrives in your heart. Can the question come at any moment, what is your answer?

Peter offers us at least four reasons in the opening chapter of this letter: I Peter 1:3-5. They pertain to God’s mercy, Christ’s resurrection, God’s holiness, and God’s power.

We start at the beginning of our hope when we were begotten through the Gospel. Our thanks goes up to God for His clemency. “…who according to His great mercy, begat us again unto a living hope” (I Peter 1:3a). We do not have hope in the Lord because of our own righteousness, but “according to His mercy He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). God’s abundant mercy, expressed in terms of being “great” and “rich” implies how unrighteous we all were before God in our sins. God’s abundant extended mercy lies at the beginning of our hope.

Without Christ we have no hope (Ephesians 2:12). If Jesus has not been raised from the dead, we are still in our sins (I Corinthians 15:17). Peter declares that our being born again unto a living hope was “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Peter 1:3b).

Because the resurrection of Jesus is factual, confirmed by credible eyewitnesses (I Corinthians 15:5-8), our faith is not vain. So, we can wait in hope, anticipating our own resurrection from the grave (Roman 8:24). Being first justified from our sins by God’s mercy, we look forward to being glorified by our resurrected Lord (cf. Romans 8:30, Philippians 3:20-21). We wait in hope for the glory that will never fade away (I Peter 1:4).
 
The third defense for our hope is that our place in heaven is being watched over or kept by our holy God (I Peter 1:4). God reserves heaven for the righteous, and because of His pure and holy character, no unrighteousness will enter heaven and spoil our “undefiled” hope. “There shall in no wise enter into it anything unclean, or he that maketh an abomination and a lie: but only they that are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27). Our new abode in heaven is reserved as a place where righteousness dwells (cf. 2 Peter 3:13).

The fourth defense of the Christian’s hope is God’s power. He is not only watching over heaven in His holiness, He is guarding us by his omnipotent power. Peter writes, “…who by the power of God are guarded through faith unto a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (I Peter 1:5). God’s power manifested through the saving message of the Gospel, coupled by His eternal veracity, “God cannot lie” (Titus 1:2), gives Christians the reason to remain faithful. They continue to have their name written in the Lamb’s book of life.

— Via Glad Tidings, Vol. XXXV, No. 27, July 6, 2025

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Hebrews 6:19-20

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus has entered as a forerunner for us, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek” (NASB).

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Bring Joy to My Soul
(Psalm 86:4-5)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 86 consists entirely of a prayer by David during a time when he was greatly distressed. The details of his difficulties are not revealed, but verse 14 points out that a group of proud and violent people, who had no regard for God, were seeking his life.  Yet, amid his trouble, the Psalmist approaches God in prayer with complete confidence that the Lord will be merciful and deliver him.

Verses 1-7 contain a formula. First, the Psalmist makes a request of God and then gives God a reason(s) why He should fulfill it.  For example, in verses 1-3, he asks God to hear him, preserve his life, and be merciful to him and then offers reasons for God to respond. Then continuing in verses 4-5, he gives God four reasons to fulfill his next request after making it.

 The request is for God to “bring joy” (NIV) to his soul. He pleads, “Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”  Consider a closer look at the reasons he gives for granting this request.

• I lift up my soul (4b). This statement implies his earnestness, faith, and trust — he lifts his very being to God.  He calls himself God’s “servant,” and only to Him could he call out.  Further, recall earlier in the prayer (2b), he refers to himself as “Your servant who trusts in You!”   Elsewhere, “lifting up” the soul is associated with prayer. In Psalm 143:8, he said, “ . . . for in You do I trust; cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.”  Also, note the correlation of the concepts in Psalm 25:1-2a “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in You . . .”  With complete sincerity, he lifts his heart and soul to God, whom he trusts!
• You are good (5a). God is good!  Elsewhere, Psalm 145:9 states, “The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.” Some may not understand why a good God allows so much evil in the world.  However, people are free moral agents and not robots.  God never promised that everything would be easy in our lives.  If we think this, we are confusing life on earth with heaven.  Of course, the ultimate way we see God’s goodness is when he sent His Son to die for our sins (Rom. 5:8).
• You are ready to forgive (5b). Associated with God’s goodness is His willingness to forgive. The Bible teaches that God wants everyone to be saved (2 Pet. 3:9). Also, in the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Lk. 15), Jesus taught this principle. He said that a man has 100 sheep and loses one; the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to find the lost sheep, and his friends and neighbors rejoice with him when he finds it. Then Jesus says, “I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance” (7). Consider another reason cited.
• You are abundant in mercy for all who call upon you (5c). God’s mercy doesn’t simply exist, but it is abundant. (The ESV translates as “abounding in steadfast love.”)  However, a condition is attached: “for all who call upon you.”  Thus, His abundant mercy is for those who call upon Him. (Note also Rom. 10:9-13.)

The Bible connects God’s goodness, mercy, and readiness to forgive in other places besides verse 5. Consider, for example, Exodus 34:6-7. “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin . . .”

Thus, David is asking God to help him — to bring joy to his soul.  Why should he do so? David says it is because I lift up my soul to You; You are good, ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy. So, today, God can bring joy to our souls if we let Him!

— Via Seeking Things Above, Vol. 4, No. 1, April 2023

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday (all but the first): 7 p.m. Bible Classes 
 First Wednesday of the month: 7 p.m. Congregational Song Service (about 45 minutes of singing, followed by a short talk)

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com

https://thomastedwards.com/go/all.htm (This is a link to the older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990.)

“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) Grace and Works: They Really Do Go Together (Bryan Gibson)
2) Trusting God (Psalm 71:1) (Mike Johnson)

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Grace and Works: They Really Do Go Together

Bryan Gibson

Have YOU seen the grace of God? Barnabas sure did. “When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23). What Barnabas saw, of course, was the effect of God’s grace—the effect it had on these people in Antioch, which was that “a great number believed and turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21). What Barnabas actually saw was their service to the Lord, clear proof they had received or accepted God’s grace.

God’s grace is not an end in itself—it has an aim or purpose. Its initial aim, of course, is to provide the means for the forgiveness of our sins, but it goes beyond that. God’s grace is designed to change us in such a way that when people see us, they see the grace of God, just like Barnabas did when he saw the new Christians in Antioch.

Here is a partial list of the changes God’s grace should produce in us. These passages all show a clear connection between grace and works, especially when you look at the larger context.

• That we die to sin and walk in newness of life (Romans 5:20-6:1-4).
• That we change from being slaves of sin to being slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:15-23).
• That we deny ourselves “ungodliness and worldly lusts,” and instead “live soberly, righteously, and godly” (Titus 2:11-12).
• That we no longer live for ourselves, but for Jesus, who died for us (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
• That we first give ourselves to the Lord and then to others (2 Corinthians 8:5).
• That we become “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14); that we labor “abundantly” for the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:10).

How could anyone possibly think obedience detracts from or diminishes the grace of God? Nothing could be further from the truth. What obedience actually does is bring the grace of God into clearer light, for all to see (like Barnabas did). As seen in the above passages, the very design of God’s grace is to change our hearts and then change our lives, to make us “obedient in all things” (2 Corinthians 2:9).

Let’s be sure we don’t “receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1). May it change us in every way it was designed to change us, which is ultimately into “the image of His Son” (Romans 8:29). “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20)—only the grace of God can make that happen, and that’s exactly what others will “see” when they see Him in us. And they won’t see Him without full and complete submission to the will of God.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, March 27, 2025

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Trusting God
(Psalm 71:1)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 71:1 says, “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shame.”  This psalm was written by an aged man who had trusted God, not an idol or false deity, throughout his life.   However, even in his old age, he faced enemies waiting to devour him like vultures.  In this prayer, he expresses his appreciation for all that the Lord had done for him in the past.  He makes requests of God with complete confidence that He will be with him.  He knew that God would continue to be his deliverer as long as he lived, and even in the later stages of his life, he would declare the message of God’s goodness to others. With this verse in mind, we will examine the concept of trusting God.

The Hebrew word found in verse 1, translated as “trust” (NKJV), is rendered by most translations as “take refuge.” Sometimes, it is used figuratively of God to take refuge under His wings.  Consider Psalm 36:7, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!  Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.”  In Ruth 2:12, Boaz told Ruth that the Lord would reward her “under whose wings you have come for refuge.”  Finally, Proverbs 14:32 says, in contrast to the wicked, “the righteous has a refuge in death.”  The psalmist trusted God and could go to Him for protection and refuge, as a baby chick would go to its mother.  (Note also verse 5.)

Today, some people are hesitant to trust in God.  Perhaps this is because they have not seen Him.  Some people may have more difficulty trusting someone they have never seen.  Also, many do not know much about God.  It is harder to trust someone we do not know.  Finally, some may have trust issues due to past experiences.  Thus, a person might ask, “Why should I trust anyone?”

If one person says to another, “Trust me.” He may respond by saying, “Why should I?”   It can be helpful to have some reasons to trust another.  Consider four reasons to trust God.

1. God never lies or fails to keep His promises. People often do not do what they say they will.  A person may make a promise and fail to keep it, which is never the case with God.  Consider Numbers 23:19, which says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent.  Has He said, and will He not do?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” In Deuteronomy 7:9, we are told, “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” We can count on God.

2. God cares for His creation.  In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus tells His followers not to worry.  He speaks of His care for the birds of the air, the beauty of the lilies, and the grass of the field.  He points out that if God takes care of these, even more so, He will take care of his people (33).  Also, in Matthew 7:7-12, the Lord points out that an earthly father gives good gifts to his children.  Then He says (11), “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”  Then verse 35 says, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” The fact that God cares for us is another reason to trust Him!

3. God has proven Himself to be trustworthy. Throughout the Scriptures, we can read of the trustworthiness of God as he fulfilled His promises.  To Abraham, in Genesis 12:1-3, we read of the land, nation, and seed promise.  God would give Abraham’s descendants a land, and they would become a great nation.  He also promised that all nations of the earth would be blessed, which was related to Christ’s coming.  God fulfilled these promises.  In 1 Kings 8:56, Solomon said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised.  There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses.”  The Lord has proven Himself in our own lives, the lives of others, and the lives of the people we can read about in the Bible.

4. God is sovereign.  Holman Bible Dictionary defines God’s sovereignty as “The biblical teaching that God is the source of all creation and that all things come from and depend upon Him.” God is in control. He is the creator of the universe, and He rules over all.  God is omniscient (has all knowledge) and omnipotent (has all power).  Psalm 24:1 explains, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.”  Psalm 103:19 says, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”  In Jeremiah’s prayer to God, he said, “Ah, Lord God!  Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.  There is nothing too hard for You” (Jer. 32:19).  In daily life, we may be unable to trust certain people to do a particular task because they lack the knowledge and ability.  For example, we would not trust our plumbers to perform brain surgery on us.  Likewise, we may be unable to trust our physicians to wire our house.  However, we can completely trust God in everything because God is sovereign!

In conclusion, as the psalmist, we should trust the Lord.  God is dependable, and He cares for us.  Further, the Lord has proven Himself to be trustworthy, and He is sovereign.  People may ask us to trust them, which may or may not be a good idea.  However, we can always have confidence in God!

— Via Seeking Things Above

——————–

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.)