Month: October 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) 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 

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Psalm 123:1-4

A Song of Ascents.

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.

— NASB

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Contents:

1) Unite My Heart, O Lord (Psalm 86:11) (Mike Johnson)
2) “My Messenger” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)
3) “The Lord Opened Her Heart” (Bryan Gibson)

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Unite My Heart, O Lord
(Psalm 86:11)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 86 is a prayer by David while he was facing perilous times.  Despite his circumstances, in the first part of verse 11, he prayed for God to teach him His way; and then, upon learning the Lord’s way, he would walk in His truth.  Then he says (11c), “Unite my heart to fear Your name.”

Many people have divided loyalties, as their hearts may not be entirely into an endeavor.  This type of heart is also found in trying to serve God.  Since God alone is God (10c), the Psalmist did not want a divided heart where he might partially serve God but also serve other gods.  If he did this, he could never walk in God’s truth (11b).  He wanted a life wholly devoted to the Lord, having an undivided heart.

The Bible emphasizes the importance of having a united heart (one heart) without divided loyalties.  For example, Deuteronomy 10:12 asks, “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”  This speaks of a total commitment, which requires us to “walk in all his ways,”  and to “fear,” “love,” and “serve” Him.

Jesus also taught that we must have a united heart.  In Matthew 6:24, He explained, “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”  (Note also Deut. 6:5; Josh. 24:14-15.) Our devotion to God cannot be half-hearted.

Consider some things that can cause us to have a divided heart:

1. Love for the World — The Bible tells us we are not to love the world. 1 John 2:15-16 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.  If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world.” Yet, some try to have one foot in the world while serving God.

2. Wealth — Some are trying to serve God and wealth simultaneously. In the “Parable of the Sower,” those represented by the thorny soil received the Word and produced fruit, but they were drawn away by the “deceitfulness of riches” (Mt. 13:22).  As we have noted, one cannot serve God and riches (6:24).

3. Hardships in Life — Some may face an abnormal number of troubles. Examples are dealing with the death and illnesses of loved ones, their health issues, monetary problems, and old age.  Also, persecution may come to people because they stand firm in their convictions.  Again, in the “Parable of the Sower,” the stony soil represents those who hear the Word but are discouraged when persecutions arise (Mt. 13:20-21).

Today, people need to be fully involved in serving God.  Consider the following comments by Adam Clarke.

A divided heart is a great curse; scattered affections are a miserable plague.  When the heart is not at unity with itself, the work of religion cannot go on.  Indecision of mind and division of affections mar any work.  The heart must be one, that the work may be one.  If this be wanting, all is wrong.  This is a prayer which becomes the mouth of every Christian (from Adam Clarke’s Commentary, Electronic Database. Biblesoft.)

David prayed for an “undivided heart” (NIV).  He wanted his life to be wholly devoted to the Lord.  Does this describe your heart toward God?

— Via Seeking Things Above, October 2022

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“My Messenger”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

Malachi’s name means “My messenger,” or literally, “messenger of Yahweh.” This has caused some to wonder whether a man named Malachi actually existed or if this was someone who wrote God’s word but took a name that means “God’s messenger.” I believe Malachi was a real person, but regardless, I want us to consider the meaning behind the name and apply it to our lives (Rom. 15:4).

It’s crucial for us to focus on this, as this definition should be one that all Christians not only accept but also embrace. We are all called to be “God’s messengers.” This role should so permeate our lives that our daily work becomes a means of spreading God’s message. I recall a furniture store in Owensboro, KY, that had a sign which read, “Our work is to spread the gospel. We sell furniture to make money.” This is a powerful reminder for all Christians – our primary work is to spread the gospel!

A quick perusal of the New Testament shows that this needs to be our work and aim. Before Jesus left this earth, He wanted His apostles to go and preach the truth to “every creature” (Mk. 16:15). More specifically, they were to take this message to “Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This challenge was accepted; and within one generation, the word has spread to “all the world” (Col. 1:6).

As we know, battles do not remain fought and victories do not stay won, especially in the spiritual realm. Therefore, another generation had to be prepared to preach God’s message. This is why men like Timothy, Titus, and others were taught and trained to take the message far and wide in their time following the apostles’ deaths. Timothy was told, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2). This statement underscores the divine purpose that God’s word must continue to spread through the generations. In other words, many people will need to serve as God’s messengers if the word will continue through the ages.

The question remains: Will we take up the mantle and do the work God wants us to do? Will we be the “messengers” that carry the word to a lost and dying world, preparing others to do the same? “The messenger” must become the embodiment of the message. It does little good to spread a message that we are not first willing to obey! Let us make sure we are “doers of the word and not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22). Let us make sure we are a “doer of the work” (Jas. 1:25), continuing in what God wants done, while we faithfully proclaim it.

In so doing, we will follow in the footsteps of Noah, Moses, David, the many Old Testament prophets, Jesus (Acts 1:1), the apostles, and the faithful preachers and teachers in the New Testament. When we determine to be God’s messenger, we will follow in righteous footsteps and encourage a new generation to do the same (Matt. 5:14-16).

Malachi means “My messenger.” What does God call you?

— Via The Ancient Landmark, March 2, 2025

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“The Lord Opened Her Heart”

Bryan Gibson

Concerning Lydia, Acts 16:14 says, “The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul.” The text doesn’t specifically say how the Lord did that. But what cause do we KNOW was present, something with sufficient power to open her heart?  The gospel of Jesus Christ, which is “the power of God to salvation” (Romans 1:16).

Remember, Paul had already been speaking to the group of women gathered by the river, and Lydia was listening (Acts 16:13). Need more confirmation?  Read carefully the other accounts of conversion in the Book of Acts. “When they heard this [gospel], they were cut to the heart…” (Acts 2:37) — that’s how it worked with these people in Acts 2; that’s how it worked with Lydia; and that’s how it worked in every single conversion recorded in the Book of Acts. The Lord opens hearts with the gospel. Please let Him open yours.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, February 4, 2025

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Ephesians 6:17

“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (NASB).

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Contents:

1) Ambassadors for Christ (Connie W. Adams)
2) Let Us Not Grow Weary (Brian Cosner)

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Ambassadors for Christ

Connie W. Adams

“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Cor. 5:20).

It is commonly taught that, since all Christians are the light of the world and we are to glorify God before men by our teaching and action, this passage applies with equal force to all of us. It is my conviction that the context of the passage refers to the apostles and not to all of us generally.

Who are these “ambassadors”? They are the same ones who had “the ministry of reconciliation” (v. 18) and the “word of reconciliation” (v. 19).

On the Sunday night following the resurrection, Jesus met with the apostles and said, “‘As my Father has sent me, even so send I you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and saith unto them, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained’” (John 20:21-23).

They were sent with a special task, to announce the conditions on which God would remit sins. All who would receive that message and act upon it would be forgiven. Those who rejected it would not be forgiven: their sins would be retained.

Their service in this regard was the “ministry of reconciliation.” They were special ambassadors entrusted with this assignment. The message itself was “the word of reconciliation.” As special “ambassadors” of heaven’s court, they were endowed with the necessary credentials to prove their ambassadorship. Paul said at Corinth, “Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders and mighty deeds” (2 Cor. 12: 12). Miraculous powers were their badges of authority.

To reject an ambassador is to reject the government which sent him. When Jesus sent them on the limited commission, He said, “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” (Matt. 10:40).

To reject the Holy Spirit guided teaching of the Lord’s ambassadors is to insult the king who sent them. We hear it said that the words of the apostles are not as important as what Jesus said. After all, we have “red letter” editions of the New Testament with the words of Jesus clearly indicated. What Jesus said personally was important. But, He said to the apostles, “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth . . .and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:12-14). On Pentecost, these ambassadors spoke “as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4). Paul said he received by “revelation” what he preached (Gal. 1:11-12; Eph. 3:2-4). This is the same message revealed to all these ambassadors. “But God hath revealed them to us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Cor. 2:10). Later in that same chapter he said, “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (v. 13). Ambassador Paul wrote this to the Corinthians, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). Whether the print is red or black ink, if an inspired apostle wrote it, then that is as much the word of Christ as what Jesus said Himself while here on earth.

Some preachers have been known to say, “We need to major in the gospels and minor in the epistles.” Such loose thinking came from the distinction drawn between gospel and doctrine, popularized by W. Carl Ketcherside and fellow travelers. The gospel is the doctrine and the doctrine is the gospel. These ambassadors went forth with divine credentials and presented heaven’s message so we could become reconciled to God and remain in that relationship. Jesus had said to them, “Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 18:18).

Now, do we have a responsibility to teach the truth and to exemplify it in our conduct? Absolutely. Paul said we are “in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). Timothy was instructed to “preach the word,” but also to “be thou an example of the believers . . .” (2 Tim. 4:2; 1 Tim. 4:12). All who believe through the word of these ambassadors are to be “one,” “that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20-21). All of us are to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Col. 1:10).

But don’t claim a role which was unique to the Lord’s apostles. They were His ambassadors in a sense that I cannot be, and neither can you. We do not have the special credentials they had. Their message was certified and we may, with all boldness and assurance, preach the same message which they long ago delivered by inspiration. When we do, we need to document what we preach by citing the place where inspired men said it, whether first spoken by the Lord or by His ambassadors.

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume LIV, No. 2, pp. 4-5, February 2010

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Let Us Not Grow Weary

Brian Cosner

“Now all the people gathered together as one man in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate; and they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had commanded Israel. So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law” (Nehemiah 8:1-3).

It is remarkable to me how little attention Nehemiah gets in the scriptures. Nehemiah’s name does not occur anywhere in the New Testament, nor are there any quotations from his book, or even references. However, this does not diminish the outstanding character of the man or his place in Biblical history.

Nehemiah was a Jewish man who served as a cup bearer under Artaxerxes I in the Persian empire. A cup bearer was not a simple servant. They were trusted counselors to the king. They served refreshments to the king, taste-testing them before serving the king. They were highly trustworthy and thus Nehemiah had the confidence and favors of the king in his court.

Nehemiah was, therefore, a recipient of many comforts afforded by the king, but when he received a report about the desolate condition of Israel (Neh. 1:1-3), he was willing to surrender all these comforts and travel to the ruins of Jerusalem to serve the Lord (2:1-4).

Nehemiah was trusted by Artaxerxes enough to give him leave, supplies, and authority over the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem (Neh. 2:8). This tells us Nehemiah was intelligent, industrious, and favored by the king. Without going into depth, his life also typifies the example of Jesus (Phil. 2:5-11).

Nehemiah was a model of Biblical leadership. He sacrificed for the work of the Lord (see above), he was trusted with the heritage of the Lord (the people, the city, the supplies for rebuilding). He carefully assessed the condition of the wall, set a vision and engaged the leaders for the work (Neh. 2:17-20). He made careful plans and motivated the citizens to work together (Neh. 3). He addressed challenges to the work and overcame opposition to the project (Neh. 4). When the wealthy citizens oppressed the weaker workers, he reacted quickly and decisively, using the full force of his position to correct their wrongdoing (Neh. 5:1-13). He even forfeited his rightful allowances as governor to relieve the people and promote the work (vs. 14-19). Thanks to the Lord’s blessings, and Nehemiah’s efforts, the walls which had been broken down for around 130 years were rebuilt in just 52 days.

Some look at tasks such as personal work, church growth, and edification as difficult or impossible, but the Lord has ordained men to lead us “in the way that we should go” (Eph. 4:11-15); and by God’s grace, and every member’s efforts, we can accomplish it and grow (v. 16)! Brethren, there are many things that can discourage us, and more than enough excuses to distract us from the work, but let us do our duty and get to work! “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9).

—  Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, October 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).

——————–

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) Bearing  Fruit in Old Age (Psalm 71:17-18) (Mike Johnson)
2) Why God Tests Our Faith (Heath Rogers)

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Bearing Fruit in Old Age
(Psalm 71:17-18)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 71:17-18 says, “O God, You have taught me from my youth; and to this day I declare Your wondrous works.  Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.”  This psalm was written by an aged person, generally thought to be David.  He faces many hardships in his old age, and his enemies surround him.  He knew that God had always been there for him in the past, and he was confident that God’s aid would continue.

The writer repeatedly states the reason for requesting deliverance in verses 14-18.  If delivered, he could continue praising God and telling the next generation about His righteousness, salvation, wondrous works, strength, and power.

Some people become old and decide that, as they retire from their jobs, they can “retire” from the responsibilities of being a Christian.  However, this was not the attitude of the psalmist.  His reason for wanting to continue to live was to have the opportunity to serve the Lord and even to teach younger people.

Elsewhere, Psalm 92:12-13 speaks of the righteous flourishing like a palm tree, growing like a cedar in Lebanon, and flourishing in the courts of God.  Verses 14-15 continue, “They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.”  Those advanced in years must continue to declare God’s uprightness and bear fruit for Him.

Examples of God using aged people in his services exist throughout the Scriptures.  Consider some cases.

1. Moses & Aaron — Moses was 40 years old when he smote the Egyptians (Acts 7:23); he was 80, and Aaron was 83 when God called them to deliver His people (Ex. 7:7).  Moses died at 120 (Deut. 34:7). They accomplished so much for the Lord in the last segment of their lives.

2. Joshua & Caleb — Joshua, who was in charge of leading the conquest of the land of Canaan, took over this role in his 80’s. He lived to be 110 (Josh. 24:29), so this important leadership role in God’s service was in the late stage of his life. On the other hand, Caleb, a leader during the conquest, was in his 40s when he was sent to spy out the land and was in his 80s when he took over the leadership role (Josh. 14:6-11). Caleb remained a faithful servant of God throughout his life.

3. Zacharias & Elizabeth — These became the parents of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. Luke 1 describes them as being “well advanced in years” (7, 18, 36) and also says Elizabeth was “barren.”  The angel, Gabriel, appeared to Zecharias and told him they would have a child, who they would call “John,” and he would prepare the way for Christ.  Also, Zecharias was still serving in the temple despite his age.

4. Simeon & Anna — These are two older people who were present when the Christ child was brought to the temple for circumcision (Lk. 2:22-38). The Scriptures describe Simon as a just and devout man “waiting for the Consolation of Israel.”  It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would live long enough to see Jesus Christ (25-26).  He prophesied about Christ in verses 29-31 and said that since he had seen Him, he was ready to “depart in peace” (20).  We do not know precisely how old Simeon was, but it is clear that he continued to serve God even though he was advanced in years.  Also, Anna is described as “ . . . a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fasting and prayers night and day” (37).  Like the psalmist, she then spread the message about the Lord (38).  It is clear that, although aged, she was devoted to God, and serving Him was the center of her life.

5. Paul — We do not know exactly how old Paul was when he consented to the death of Stephen and “made havoc of the church” (Acts 8:1-3), but from his conversion (Acts 9) until he was an old man near death, we learn of his faithfulness to the Lord. Despite persecutions (2 Cor. 11:22-28), he faithfully served God until the end.  In Philemon 9, while in prison for the cause of Christ, he referred to himself as “Paul the aged.”  During what was probably a later imprisonment, apparently near the very end, he wrote to Timothy, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Tim. 4:6-8).  Like the psalmist, for as long as Paul lived, he declared the “strength” and “power” of God to everyone he could.

Old age is supposed to be a productive time when the righteous, although advanced in years, continue to honor God and spread the message about Him.  For qualified men, it is a time for some to become elders or overseers (Acts 20:17, 28; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Tim. 3:1-7).  Older women are to teach the younger women (Titus 2:3-5).  Many become slack in serving God when they have reached the age where they can do the most!  But David declared the strength and power of God until the end, and every aged Christian today should do the same.

— Via Seeking Things Above

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Why God Tests Our Faith

Heath Rogers

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). God will test the faith of His people at various times and to various degrees. These testing experiences (what James calls “various trials”) can range from inconveniences to disasters. These are experiences that we would prefer to avoid if possible. If God has the power to spare us of these trials, why does He allow them to take place? James says these trials are testing our faith. Why does God test our faith?

1. He loves us. “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: ‘My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives’” (Heb. 12:5-6).

Discipline is painful, but it is an act of love. Parents lovingly discipline their children to give them correction and to guide them in developing good character. God does the same thing for us, allowing us to develop endurance, perseverance, and hope (Rom. 5:3-4), with the goal of us being perfect and complete, lacking nothing (James 1:2-4).

2. To purify our faith. “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:6-7).

Precious metals like gold are purged of their impurities by fire. The intense heat of the smelting pot causes these impurities to separate and burn away. We have bad habits, bad attitudes, bad motives, and bad desires that must be removed to make our faith pure. It is through times of suffering and testing that we learn how worthless and hindering these things are to our spiritual lives, and how much we truly need God.

3. To strengthen our faith. Fire is also used to strengthen steel. Through a meticulous process of heating and cooling, the metal’s microstructure will change, and it is made stronger. It was through severe testing that Abraham’s faith was both strengthened (Rom. 4:20) and made perfect (James 2:22). Like our physical bodies and minds, our faith will only become strong with use. Knowing this, God provides tests and trials for our faith, sometimes pushing us to the limit, to make us stronger and more fit for service in His kingdom.

When our faith is being tested, we can either resent God’s efforts and give up or we can acknowledge God’s love and cooperate. This is why James followed the instruction of enduring various trials with an admonition about wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). We need wisdom to see the spiritual realities behind the trials of this life. Such wisdom will give us the proper perspective: “Satan intends to destroy my faith with these sufferings, but God intends to strengthen me by them. I must cooperate with God and trust in His purpose for my life.”

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, July 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.)