Month: January 2026

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

1) The Sufferings of Jesus (From Gethsemane to Calvary) (Bryan Gibson)
2) Is it Narrow Minded? (Jere Frost)

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The Sufferings of Jesus
(From Gethsemane to Calvary)

Bryan Gibson

Troubled and deeply distressed in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus made this request of His disciples, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” Instead of watching, they went to sleep (Mk. 14:33-34, 37-41; Matt. 26:37-38).

After this request, Jesus went about a stone’s throw away from his disciples, fell on His face and prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” Jesus continued to be in agony, His sweat becoming as great drops of blood. He began to pray even more earnestly, praying a second time to His Father, and a third (Matt. 26:36-44; Lk. 22:39-44).

While still speaking with His disciples in the Garden, a great multitude with swords and clubs came to arrest Him. Leading the mob was one of the chosen twelve, Judas Iscariot. Judas approached Jesus, extended Him greetings, and kissed Him. This kiss, however, was a kiss of betrayal, because He had already given the mob a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, He is the One; seize Him” (Matt. 26:47-50).

After His arrest, all His disciples forsook Him and fled (Matt. 26:56).

Bound by soldiers, Jesus was led first to the house of Annas, the father-in-law of Caiphas, the high priest. During this appearance before Annas, an officer struck Jesus with the palm of his hand (Jn. 18:12-13, 22).

Jesus was then sent to Caiphas, still bound. The whole council was also present. False testimony was sought against Jesus. They spat in His face and beat Him. They blindfolded Him, struck Him with the palms of their hands, and then mocked Him by saying, “Prophesy to us Christ. Who struck you?” They spoke many other blasphemous things against Him (Jn. 18:24; Matt. 26:57-68; Mk. 14:65; Lk. 22:65).

Meanwhile, Peter, who had followed Jesus to see what would happen to Him, was asked three different times if he knew Jesus, or had been with Him. Peter denied knowing Jesus all three times. After the third denial Jesus turned and looked at Peter (Lk. 22:54-61; Matt. 26:58).

When dawn arrived, Jesus was brought before the council again. When Jesus affirmed He was the Son of God, they had heard enough. He was charged with blasphemy (Lk. 22:66-71).

Jesus was then brought before Pilate, the Roman governor over Judea. When Pilate said, “Take him and judge Him according to your own law,” they responded, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” They were hoping for a death sentence from Pilate (Jn. 18:28-31; Lk. 23:1-5).

Jesus was then sent to appear before Herod. During this appearance, the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Jesus. Herod’s soldiers treated Him with contempt, arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe and mocked Him (Lk. 23:6-12).

Jesus was then sent back to Pilate for a second time. It was customary for the Romans, during the Passover, to release one prisoner, whomever the Jews might desire. Pilate gave them a choice, Jesus or Barabbas, a man charged with rebellion and murder. The people said, “Release unto us Barabbas.” When Pilate then asked what should be done with Jesus, the people shouted, “Crucify Him” (Matt. 27:15-23; Lk. 23:13-21).

Pilate then sent Jesus away to be scourged (Jn. 19:1). The scourge was a whip with a handle and several lashes. Bits of metal and bone were often embedded in the lashes. This scourge was typically applied to the back of the victim, in this case, Jesus.

After the scourging, Pilate’s soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and placed it on Jesus’ head. They stripped Him and put a purple robe on Him. They placed a reed in His right hand for a scepter and then mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” These same soldiers spat on Him, took the reed out of His hand, and struck Him on the head with it (Jn. 19:2-3; Matt. 27:28-30).

Pilate then took Jesus and brought Him before the people again. He was still wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said he could find no fault in Jesus, but they would not be appeased. They continued to demand with loud voices that Jesus be crucified. Pilate, wanting to please the crowd, released Barabbas and delivered Jesus to be crucified (Jn. 19:5-7; Lk. 23:23-25; Mk. 15:15).

Jesus started out bearing His own cross to Calvary, but soon a Cyrenian named Simon was compelled to carry it the rest of the way. Two criminals were led with Jesus to Calvary, both of whom would be crucified, one on His right hand and the other on His left (Lk. 23:26, 32-33; John 19:17).

When they reached the site of the crucifixion, Jesus was secured to the cross by nails driven through His hands and feet (Jn. 20:25, 27; Luke 24:38-40).

While on the cross, those passing by blasphemed Jesus with statements like these:

“You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself” (Matt. 27:39-40).

“If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross” (Matt. 27:40).

“He saved others, Himself He cannot save” (Matt. 27:42).

“If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down from the cross, and we will believe Him” (Matt. 27:42).

“He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God’” (Matt. 27:43).

Even the thieves hanging beside Him reviled Him (Matt. 27:44). (Although one did later have a change of heart).

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Some thought He was calling for Elijah (Matt. 27:46-47).

About this same time Jesus also cried out, “I thirst.” Someone put a sponge on the end of a stalk of hyssop and dipped it in sour wine and lifted it to the lips of Jesus. Others said, “Leave Him alone; let us see if Elijah will come to save Him” (Jn. 19:28-29; Matt. 27:48-49).

Once again, Jesus cried with a loud voice saying, “It is finished.” And finally, “Father, into your hands I commit My spirit.” Having said this, Jesus bowed His head and “breathed His last” (Jn. 19:30; Lk. 23:46).

— Via Weekly Bulletin from the Prattmont church of Christ, July 6, 2025

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Is it Narrow Minded?

Jere Frost

I don’t know about you, but I get a little weary of hearing the word “narrow” used as a slur against preachers who adhere to the Bible in their preaching. Sure they are “narrow,” but so are factory workers, surgeons, druggists, and teachers.

The factory worker is so “narrow” that he uses micrometers and measures to the thousandth of an inch the bores and pistons of engines, electronic components and balancing wheels in timepieces.

The surgeon is so “narrow” that he insists on ultra-technical laboratory analysis and meticulously sterilized instruments of special design. Why is he so “picky narrow” that he makes his assistants wear cloths over their faces?

The druggist is so “narrow” that he just has to have a prescription before he will let you have certain drugs. He says he has to be “narrow” because government regulations are narrow, and even thinks it is for your good!

As you think about it, it’s a blessing that somebody is “narrow-minded.”  And however much we need to be narrow about vital material matters we must be infinitely more careful and exact about spiritual laws. God will not be mocked!

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, December 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) The Best Gift You Can Give to God (Jon W. Quinn)
2) We Need More Men like Joseph (Bryan Gibson)

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The Best Gift You Can Give to God

Jon W. Quinn

“For I testify that according to their ability and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, begging us with much entreaty for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5). Paul here describes the brethren in Macedonia as giving themselves first of all “to the Lord.” To bring the point home, we each must ask ourselves how much we are willing to give to the Lord. Will this gift be our first priority, as it was theirs?

How much are we to give to Jesus? There are at least two occasions where Jesus taught that God does not desire any sacrifice at all! You’d better read that again! Yes. That’s what I said. What’s up with that?

The two times Jesus said this are found in Matthew 9:9-13 and 12:1-7. They have to do with proper motive. God does not desire sacrifices offered from those who are doing so in a boastful, prideful way, lacking compassion and good will. Or, we could say God does not desire our worship if it is lacking spirit and truth (John 4:23,24) or if our hearts are far from Him (Matthew 15:8,9).

The Greek word translated into our English word “sacrifice” means “offering” or “gift.” Under the Old Testament Law, there were three main types of sacrifices, or gifts, made to God. There were (1) sin offerings offered for atonement, (2) thank offerings offered in gratitude for blessings and (3) consecratory offerings offered as a part of a sanctification or dedication process, such as when the newly built temple was dedicated.

Under the New Testament today, we can divide the sacrifices of our covenant into these same three categories. Our (1) sin offering for our atonement has been offered by Jesus on the cross (Matthew 26:26-28; Hebrews 9:23), (2) Our daily discipleship becomes our consecratory offering as we dedicate our daily lives to God’s glory and service (Luke 9:23; Romans 12:1,2) and (3) our praise becomes our thank offering by which we express out heartfelt gratitude unto God (Hebrews 13:15; Ephesians 5:19,20).

God, in some instances, does not want sacrifice to be offered. We saw that Jesus said that God does not want a sacrifice from someone without compassion. He said first go and learn compassion. Under what other circumstances can our gifts to God be rejected today?

Willfully continuing in sin will cause our service to be rejected by God (Hebrews 10:26). Or having no love for God or others (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). To give that which is without cost – we only give that which we know we will not miss (2 Samuel 24:24).

Jesus is our example. Think about what Jesus gave for us. Already, He has given far more for us that we could give for Him. He emptied Himself by looking out for our needs. He became a humble servant. He gave His life (John 3:16; Hebrews 2:14-18). He paid the price for our redemption that we could never hope to pay for ourselves. He paid the price; not in dollars and cents; not in silver and gold, but with His own innocent blood (1 Peter 1:18-21).

Now, what shall we give to God? We will give ourselves to Him. We will live by faith. We will do His will. We will never give up. We will teach His gospel. We will not be ashamed. We will cast down our pride. We will make no excuses. We will enjoy the peace of God. We will be secure in our hope. We will one day live with Him. We will never stop giving to the One who has never stopped giving to us. We give ourselves. “It’s the gift that just keeps on giving.”

— via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, December 2025

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We Need More Men like Joseph

Bryan Gibson

The life story of Joseph is told in Genesis 37-50. Read it and you will be filled with admiration for this great man. To help us better understand his nearly impeccable character, let’s look at three things he handled very well.

He handled responsibility very well.

Not long after Joseph arrived in Egypt, Potiphar bought him from the Ishmaelites. Joseph served so well in Potiphar’s house that Potiphar made him the overseer of his house. How well did Joseph handle this responsibility? So well that Potiphar “left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate” (Genesis 39:6).

Later, when Joseph was imprisoned, he was given another job. “The keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison” (Genesis 39:22). Again, Joseph showed himself to be dependable, because the “keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority” (Genesis 39:23).

Joseph was later released from prison when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, and it was then that he was given his most demanding job. Pharaoh was so impressed with Joseph that he said, “You shall be ruler over my house, and all my people shall be ruled according to your word; only in regard to the throne will I be greater than you” (Genesis 41:40). Pharaoh trusted Joseph to such a degree that when famine struck the land, he told the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph; whatever he says to you, do” (Genesis 41:55).

Wouldn’t it be great if we all handled responsibility as well as Joseph did? When given a task—any task—we should be trusted to do the job well and do it right.

He handled temptation very well.

While Joseph was serving in Potiphar’s house, Potiphar’s wife “cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, lie with me” (Genesis 39:7). Joseph was very firm in his refusal, and among other things said to her, “How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Potiphar’s wife did not give up easily. She continued to make advances toward him and one day even grabbed him by his garment, pleading with him to lie with her. What did Joseph do? “He fled and ran outside” (Genesis 39:12).

What a great example! We can resist temptations, no matter how strong they may be. God provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Joseph found his, and so can we.

He handled adversity very well.

Joseph’s life was sort of like a roller coaster, a lot of ups and downs. He rose to the second highest position in all of Egypt, but look at what he went through before that. He was sold as a slave by his own brothers, and he spent two years in prison. What is admirable about Joseph, though, is that during these bad times, he showed no bitterness and he maintained his faith in God (see Genesis 39; 40:7-8; 41:15-16; 45:5-8; 50:15-21). He was just as faithful to God during the bad times as he was during the good times. Adversity presents a big test to our faith and character. Joseph passed his with flying colors—what about us?

— Via Articles from the Prattmont church of Christ, October 19, 2015
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1 Peter 2:20

“For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with 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) What God Wants From Us (Jerid Gunter)

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What God Wants From Us

Jerid Gunter

To Do Justice

Last week we considered what God would want from us and specifically looked at the words of the prophet Micah in Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” To be clear, this is more than a want or a “wish list” from God. These are requirements. While the word “require” may seem overbearing to some, we may need to be reminded of our position in comparison to God. I don’t typically refer to the New International Version Bible, but the word used in place of “man” is “mortal.” If nothing else, remember we’re mortal beings in the presence of the immortal God.

So, what about those requirements? The first one mentioned is “to do justice.” How exactly does one do justice? Does it mean we take the law into our own hands and serve as judge, jury, and executioner for matters pertaining to our life? Not hardly. Remember the context: Micah is focused on the people of Judah and their attitude. Looking earlier in the text (i.e. Micah 2:1, 2, 8), we can see they were unjust and evil. Clearly, God wants the opposite – both then and now! God want’s our mode of operation to be focused on always doing what’s right. Sounds like a no brainer, but let’s think about the challenge of this expectation through the eyes of a challenged biblical character: Joseph

Joseph’s story begins in Genesis 37 and he was the favorite son of Jacob (aka Israel). He had some big, interesting dreams too. Being the favorite and such a dreamer led his brothers to hate him – so much so that they sold him into slavery and portrayed him as dead to their father. Joseph wound up in Egypt and became a servant of Potiphar, “the captain of the guard” under Pharaoh’s reign (Genesis 39:1). Potiphar trusted Joseph so much, he put him in charge of his estate (39:6).

It’s quite a comeback story, and it’d be easy for Joseph to become quite arrogant of his success. He essentially had everything he could desire at his fingertips, including Potiphar’s wife, as she was throwing herself at him. With the house empty (39:11), who would know if Joseph took Mrs. Potiphar’s offer? Instead, Joseph chose “to do justice.” Look at Joseph’s response to Potiphar’s wife in 39:8-9, “But he refused and said to his master’s wife, ‘Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?’” Even after this response, she persisted and he resisted…and then ended up in prison due to her slanderous lies. While he was unjustly treated, he chose to act justly. He stood for what was morally right, regardless of consequence.

If that weren’t enough, Joseph rose to even greater prominence becoming second in command behind Pharaoh. A famine arose and he had a prime opportunity to execute revenge on his unknowing brothers as they came to Egypt desperate for food (Genesis 42-46). Yet again, Joseph chose to look past the heartache and temptation of revenge and he did justice. In other words, he did what God wanted. Let’s be sure to give God what He wants as well.

To Love Kindness

How’s the list coming? No, not your Santa shopping list…the one we’ve been talking about the past couple weeks: God’s expectations from us. Last week we specifically looked at doing “justice” – to do what’s right at all times in all circumstances. So without further delay, let’s look at our key verse again and learn the next expectation:

Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”

“To love kindness.” In other Bible translations you may read the phrase “to love mercy” instead. Whether you prefer the word kindness or mercy, it’s safe to say they’re quite relatable to one another and go hand-in-hand with God’s first requirement of always doing what’s right. With loving kindness/mercy, we can see the idea of desiring not only to do what’s right in our own actions, but also extend that righteous attitude in how we respond to others in life.

It’s no secret that we all struggle with doing what’s right all the time, but we have to remember that fact when others don’t do right by us. In fact, in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount He commanded, “…Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:44-45). In this passage alone, we see a couple reasons to love kindness. First of all, we see that God Himself is kind and merciful by sending rain on both the just and the unjust – He provides good things for all. Secondly, our task is to love even those who are seemingly unlovable and unjust as it could be what allows or prevents us from being considered children of God.

Undoubtedly, the greatest example of loving kindness/mercy is displayed in Christ going to the cross. There’s no way I could sum it up any better than what Paul wrote in Romans 5:6–8: “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

When Jesus spoke about loving your enemies, He was speaking about you and me. He continues to love us, even when we have been the ungodly. While that’s been the case, His love, kindness, and mercy shine through in providing Christ as the ultimate sacrifice. What God wants in return is what He’s already exemplified to perfection.

Walk Humbly With Him

It’s easy to live a life focused on what we want, but to live life in a God-pleasing way, we must consider what God’s desires are first and foremost – and then fulfill them! Over the past few weeks we’ve been focusing on Micah 6:8 and addressing God’s requirements to “do justice” (always doing what’s right), and to “love kindness (or mercy).” The third and final point in Micah’s list is “to walk humbly with your God.”

Where does one even begin with such an amazing thought? The idea of walking with God should be humbling in itself! It’s one thing to be “star-struck” over a celebrity, but there would be nothing more incredible (and humbling) than having the opportunity to walk side-by-side with the Creator of the universe! While we have every desire to be in His presence in eternity, in essence, Micah is telling us we can walk alongside Him now in this life. God will be present in our life if we submit ourselves in obedience to Him!

Perhaps the best way to explain how to “walk humbly with your God” is to look at a man in Scripture who was described as doing so himself. In Genesis 6:9 we read that, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God.” When we see the word “blameless,” we may assume it means “sinless.” Based on what Paul wrote in Romans 3, we know there’s no man (aside from Jesus) who fits that description. Instead, another word that is rendered from the same Hebrew word for “blameless” is “integrity,” and perhaps that’s an easier word to run with here. Noah had integrity – he “did justice” – when the rest of the world did not. So by comparison, Noah was “blameless” and he “walked with God.”

If we’re to believe the apostle Peter (and I do!), it would be safe to say that Noah “loved kindness” as well. Peter referred to Noah as, “a herald of righteousness” in 2 Peter 2:5, and in 1 Peter 3:20 he reported that, “God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared…” When we put those two thoughts together, I believe it’s clear that Noah wasn’t just building a big boat for himself and his family. For Noah to be a “herald,” it means that he was a messenger. Noah was displaying his faith and submission not only in actively building the ark, but verbally warning people of the coming flood due to the world’s sinfulness. That’s integrity (doing justice). That’s being merciful (loving kindness). That’s submission (walking humbly with God).

Finally, we need to point out the personal aspect of this. Micah didn’t just say “walk humbly with God.” That’s amazing enough. What Micah said was to “walk humbly with YOUR God.” While Micah was speaking to Judah at the time, his words still ring true today: God can be YOUR God too. If we truly care for what God requires of His creation – doing justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with Him, He will recognize us as His because we will be resembling His precious Son (Philippians 2:5-8). May we all give God what He so richly deserves!

— Via Articles from the Beaver Dam church of Christ, originally posted in 3 parts: December 11,18, 22, 2018

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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) The Sinner’s Prayer and the Gospel Response: A Biblical Examination (David Cambridge)
2) Joyful Worship (Psalm 100:1-2) (Mike Johnson)

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The Sinner’s Prayer and the Gospel Response:
A Biblical Examination

David Cambridge

Introduction

Among the most familiar phrases in modern religious culture is the call to “pray the sinner’s prayer.” It appears in sermons, on television broadcasts, in children’s classes, in pamphlets, and on social media. Many repeat it without ever asking where it came from or what scripture actually teaches about becoming a Christian. For some people, the phrase carries deep emotional weight; for others, it is a slogan used so routinely that it is seldom examined.

This article aims to slow the conversation down. Instead of repeating, “The sinner’s prayer is not in the Bible,” we will take time to understand who uses the phrase, why it became common, how people attempt to defend it scripturally, and why those defences do not match the New Testament pattern. Then we will turn to the actual biblical response to the gospel, and close with a gracious appeal to let scripture shape both our language and our practice.

Who Uses The Sinner’s Prayer Today?

The sinner’s prayer is not a fringe idea. It is deeply woven into modern denominational life. For more than a century, it has been one of the dominant methods used in efforts to bring people to Christ.

It is extremely common among Baptists, especially in evangelistic gatherings where the moment of salvation is often associated with repeating the prayer aloud. Many Methodist groups use it today, though historically they emphasised heartfelt repentance more than a formula. Pentecostal and Charismatic groups frequently include it at the end of sermons, often as part of an altar call. Word of Faith teachers, with their emphasis on spoken confessions, encourage people to “pray to receive Jesus” at the end of nearly every broadcast. Even many non-denominational congregations use pre-written salvation prayers as part of their outreach efforts.

At the same time, many sincere people within these groups realise the prayer is not found in scripture. They often say, “It is simply a way of expressing faith.” Yet in practice, it becomes the decisive act on which salvation is said to rest. This is why the issue matters. A man-made expression has quietly replaced the biblical response that God Himself revealed.

From Where Did The Sinner’s Prayer Come?

The idea did not come from the apostles, the early church, or the New Testament. It arose from nineteenth-century revivalism. As large crowds gathered to hear preaching, leaders developed simple ways of helping anxious hearers make a decision.

First came the “anxious bench,” where people were urged to come forward. Later came the formal “altar call.” Eventually, a short, repeat-after-me prayer was added to help people express what they believed. Over time, this convenience became a doctrine.

What began as a method became a message. What began as a tool became a theology.

That shift is why the subject deserves careful examination.

How Do People Defend The Sinner’s Prayer From Scripture?

Although there is no example of anyone in the New Testament being saved by saying such a prayer, those who defend it usually appeal to three passages. These are the “strongest” arguments used, even though each depends on ignoring the surrounding context.

1. Romans 10:9–13 — “Confess With Thy Mouth”

The argument goes like this: if salvation involves confessing with the mouth and calling on the Lord, then praying a sinner’s prayer must be the way to be saved. Verse thirteen (“whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved”) is used as proof that calling means praying.

But Paul is not describing a prayer formula. He is describing the outward expression of a faith already shaped by hearing the gospel (Romans 10:17). When the same phrase appears in Acts 2:21, Peter immediately shows what “calling on the Lord” looks like — repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).

Romans 10 is not about teaching sinners how to respond initially. It is about the righteousness that comes by faith, and the universal availability of salvation. Turning it into a prayer formula removes it from its context and overrides the teaching of Acts.

2. Luke 18:13 — “God Be Merciful To Me A Sinner”

Jesus said the publican went down to his house justified. From this, some argue that the publican prayed the sinner’s prayer.

However, the publican was a Jew under the law, not an alien sinner hearing the gospel. He was not being converted into Christ; he was humbling himself before God within the covenant he already belonged to. His prayer expresses repentance, not a blueprint for salvation under the gospel. Using this passage as justification for a formula places a modern practice into a text where it simply does not belong.

3. Revelation 3:20 — “I Stand At The Door And Knock”

This verse is perhaps the most misapplied in modern evangelism. Many use it as an appeal for sinners to “invite Jesus into their heart” through prayer. The entire vocabulary of “asking Jesus in” has grown from this misreading.

But Revelation 3:20 is addressed to the church at Laodicea — Christians who had become lukewarm. Jesus is not asking unbelievers to invite Him in for the first time. He is urging His people to repent and restore fellowship.

Applying this to alien sinners ignores the audience and changes the meaning entirely.

Why These Arguments Fail

Each of the three common defences lifts a phrase out of its context and reinvents its meaning. None of them describe how a sinner becomes a Christian in the book of Acts. None of them mention a prayer, a repeated formula, or a moment of verbal invitation.

More importantly, none of them replace the clear pattern God reveals again and again when people actually come to Christ.

What The New Testament Actually Teaches About Responding To The Gospel

When we read the conversion accounts in Acts — the thousands on Pentecost, the Samaritans, the Ethiopian eunuch, Saul of Tarsus, Cornelius, Lydia, the jailer, and the Corinthians — a consistent, Spirit-revealed pattern emerges. Scripture repeatedly shows the same building blocks of response.

1. People Heard The Message.

● On Pentecost, “they that gladly received his word” were baptized (Acts 2:41).

● The Samaritans “believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 8:12).

● The jailer listened to “the word of the Lord” spoken to him and his house (Acts 16:31–32).

2. They Believed The Message.

● Many of the Samaritans “believed” and were baptized (Acts 8:12).

● The Corinthians, “hearing, believed, and were baptized” (Acts 18:8).

● The Gentiles in Cornelius’ house believed as Peter preached (Acts 10:43–48).

3. They Repented Of Sin.

● Peter commanded the crowd on Pentecost to “repent” before being baptized (Acts 2:38).

● Paul preached that all men everywhere must repent (Acts 17:30).

● The jailer washed their stripes — an immediate fruit of repentance (Acts 16:33).

4. They Confessed Christ.

● The Ethiopian eunuch said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God” before baptism (Acts 8:37, KJV).

● Confession is tied to salvation (Romans 10:9–10) and appears whenever people publicly identify with Christ in Acts.

5. They Were Baptised Into Christ For The Remission Of Sins.

● About three thousand were baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38, 41).

● The Samaritans were baptized, “both men and women” (Acts 8:12).

● Paul was told, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16).

● The jailer and his household were baptized the same hour of the night (Acts 16:33).

● Cornelius and his house were commanded to be baptized (Acts 10:47–48).

6. Then They Began A New Life Of Discipleship.

● The new converts “continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship” (Acts 2:42).

● The jailer “rejoiced, believing in God with all his house” (Acts 16:34).

● Paul “straightway preached Christ” after his conversion (Acts 9:20).

This is not a selective reading — it is the repeated, consistent pattern across every account of conversion in the inspired history of the early church. No sinner’s prayer appears. No verbal formula is ever used. Faith moves, repents, confesses, and submits to baptism, and then begins the walk of discipleship.

Not once do we find an apostle saying, “Repeat this prayer after me.”

Not once is salvation tied to the moment of uttering a prayer.

Not once is anyone told to “invite Jesus into your heart.”

When the heart is opened in Acts, it is opened by the Lord (Acts 16:14), and the response that follows is baptism (Acts 16:15).

The sinner’s prayer is absent not because God forgot to include it, but because God already revealed His own pattern — one that unites faith, repentance, confession, and baptism into the new birth.

Why The Sinner’s Prayer Is Spiritually Dangerous

If the sinner’s prayer were merely harmless, the subject would be of little concern. But it carries real dangers.

It relocates salvation to a moment God never identified.

It gives assurance based on a prayer rather than obedience.

It replaces the clear commands of the gospel with a human tradition.

It can leave people thinking they are saved when they have never obeyed from the heart (Romans 6:17–18).

Many who pray the sinner’s prayer are completely sincere. They genuinely want to please God. But sincerity cannot replace scripture. Correcting this misunderstanding is not attacking people. It is protecting them from false confidence.

A Gracious Call Back To Scripture

The purpose of this article is not to condemn those who have used the sinner’s prayer in ignorance or sincerity. The intention is simply to let the New Testament speak for itself. The gospel is powerful enough without man-made additions.

When people follow the pattern God revealed, they enter Christ the same way the first believers did — by faith that obeys, repentance that changes, confession that declares, and baptism that unites us with the death and resurrection of Christ.

Conclusion

The sinner’s prayer is deeply rooted in modern religious culture, but not in scripture. It developed through revivalist history rather than apostolic teaching. Its most common defences rely on passages taken out of context. And most importantly, it replaces the biblical pattern with a human invention.

The good news is that the gospel is clear, simple, and powerful. When we set aside traditions and return to the pages of Acts, we find a God-given pattern that leads sinners from conviction to conversion, from sin to salvation, and from death into life. The call today is the same as it was on Pentecost — to hear the message, believe it, repent, confess Christ, and be baptised into Him. Nothing more is needed, and nothing less will do.

Questions

1. What is the main reason the sinner’s prayer is considered unscriptural (Acts 2:38)?

2. Why is Luke 18:13 not an example of conversion under the gospel (Luke 18:13–14)?

3. What problem arises when Revelation 3:20 is applied to unbelievers (Revelation 3:20)?

4. What consistent pattern appears in the conversions recorded in Acts (Acts 2:37–38; 8:12; 16:30–34)?

5. Why is sincerity alone not enough in matters of salvation (Romans 10:2–3)?

— Via David Cambridge’s Facebook site, December 27, 2025

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Psalm 95:1-2

“O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms” (NASB).

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Joyful Worship

(Psalm 100:1-2)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 100 is thought to have been written by David and is about worship. Speculation is that the Jews used it as a call to worship and as a hymn in their public praise. From verses 1-2, we learn that joy should be associated with our worship. It admonishes, “Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.” Consider these two verses closer.

The first part of verse 1 says, “Make a joyful shout to the Lord,” and then it says,“Serve the Lord with gladness” (2a). The word translated “shout” (“noise” KJV) involves a “glad shout” or a “shout of triumph,” such as might be associated with battle. From this, we learn we are to worship God, not just with thought but also with joyful utterance and gladness. Many passages associate joy with worship. Ps 95:1, identifying the basis of our joy, says, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalm 27:6 reveals,“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.” (Note also Ps. 16:11, 43:4.)

It is essential to understand that joy in the context of worship involves respectfulness.  Joy and respectfulness are not mutually exclusive attitudes; a person can be joyful in worship and respectful at the same time. Psalm 2:11 shows both are necessary. It says, “Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.” We must understand what it means to be in God’s presence (2b). We joyfully worship God, but we also realize the seriousness of our worship.

Today, we should view worship as a happy occasion. David points out in Psalm 122:1, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” Assembling for worship is a great privilege, as we know we are worshiping a loving God who has given us the opportunity for eternal life. In Psalm 51:12, David spoke of the “joy” of his salvation.

Do we joyfully anticipate worship; do we joyfully worship God when we assemble; do others detect joy in our worship? If not, there is a problem. We should come before our Lord with joy and gladness!

 — Via Seeking Things Above Above

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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.)