Month: February 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) Trusting Self or God (Doy Moyer)
2) Examine Yourselves (Jesse A. Flowers)

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Trusting Self or God

Doy Moyer

Jesus told a parable “to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt” (Luke 18:9). What a statement! Jesus targeted head-on an attitude that was common enough that He wanted this parable to be known by future generations.
 
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (vv. 10-14).

Jesus turns expectations on its head. Between the Pharisee and tax collector, everyone would know that the Pharisee was righteous and the tax collector was a sinner. Tax collectors were often grouped with other sinners. For example, Matthew, a tax collector, recorded this: “And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’” (Matt 9:10-11). His response was, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners’” (vv. 12-13). Jesus was mocked for associating with them: “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds” (Matt 11:19).

To contrast the Pharisee with the tax collector would have seemed foolish to those who were self-righteous. The problem, however, is that those who have such self-trust likely don’t realize it. Of course they trust in God! Of course they are doing what’s right. Just ask them! They are happy to tell you.

“The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus.” Some indicate that he prayed “to himself” or “about himself.” Likely, he was standing “by himself” as he prayed, and certainly he was praying about himself as he compared himself with others and boasted about what he did. “God, I thank you that I am not like other men…” should send up a red flag. This shows how easy it is to downplay sin. “I’m not that bad, like those people over there who do these terrible things.” We might be tempted at times to think, “I may not be perfect, but at least I’m not like them.” Comparing one’s life and accomplishments to the sins of others is one of the most dangerous paths to take. We feel self-justified on the basis that our sins just aren’t as bad as theirs. We may be thankful to God, but even thankfulness can be wrong-headed when the object is our proud, self-righteous trust.

The tax collector, on the other hand, standing far off, “would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’” He sees himself before God as “the sinner” (NASB). He is not comparing himself with others. He is not calling out how bad others are. He isn’t showcasing his works as if he should be praised. He offers only a confession and a plea for mercy. Here is revealed where our trust abides.

A worldly consideration of these two might see the Pharisee as strong and the tax collector weak. The Pharisee is confident in himself; the tax collector appeals only to God. The Pharisee boasts in his works; the tax collector grieves over his actions. If the tax collector is the sinner, surely the Pharisee is righteous.

Not so, for righteousness is never self-defined. It is not for the proud. Jesus’ words would have hit like a ton of bricks: “I tell you, this man [the tax collector] went down to his house justified, rather than the other [the Pharisee].” Why? That hardly seems fair. The tax collector admittedly is not righteous in himself. He is a sinner. How can he be justified? Here is the Lord’s answer: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Self-exaltation never sits well with God. The problem of sin cannot be met with, “But I’m not as bad as they are and look at the good I’ve done.” Justification can only come when we realize the depth of our sin and trust God for mercy. That takes humility, and humility runs contrary to trusting in self-righteousness.

Only when we abandon the pride of, “I’m thankful I’m not like other men,” and embrace the humility of, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner,” will we know justification. This exaltation only comes from the God who opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble (1 Pet 5:5).

— Via the Bulletin Articles of the Vestavia church of Christ, January 18, 2026

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Examine Yourselves

Jesse A. Flowers

“Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (2 Cor. 13:5, ESV).

Probably one of the most challenging things we are instructed to do in God’s Word is to examine ourselves. And one of the easiest things to do is examine (i.e., scrutinize) others. But we must strive to humbly and honestly examine ourselves. Why? To see whether we are in the faith.

Of course, there is only “one faith” (Eph. 4:5). These same brethren were exhorted to “stand fast in the faith” (1 Cor. 16:13). We are to “continue in the faith” (Col. 1:23). We are to be “established in the faith” (Col. 2:7). We are to keep the faith (2 Tim. 4:7). We are to be “sound in the faith” (Titus 1:13). And we are to “contend earnestly for the faith” (Jude 1:3).

The problem at Corinth was that the conduct of some of these saints indicated that they were not presently in the faith of Christ. So, Paul urges them to examine themselves and to test themselves so that they will recognize their failings and sins and make correction.

A few verses prior, Paul wrote: “For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, backbitings, whisperings, conceits, tumults; lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced” (2 Corinthians 12:20-21).

So, what about us – are we in the faith? Are we walking in the commands of the Lord Jesus? Are we living a life that is faithful to Christ? Are we practicing righteousness or unrighteousness? Are we living a godly or ungodly life? When we examine and test ourselves, do we pass or fail the test? Are there sins in our life that we need to confess and repent of (1 John 1:9; 2 Cor. 7:10). If so, let us do so today!

As James wrote: “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21-22).

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church or 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 (except for last of the month Song Service)
and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes 
 
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) “God of All Comfort” (Bryan Gibson)
2) Some Bumper Stickers I Like (Bill Crews)
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“God of All Comfort”

Bryan Gibson

What do you do when you’re like Paul—when you’re filled with anxiety for the souls of others; when you’re burdened beyond measure, almost to the point of death; when you’re troubled on every side, persecuted, and struck down; when you suffer stripes and imprisonments, tumults and sleeplessness; when you’re cold and naked, hungry and thirsty; when you’re attacked by false brethren; when things are so bad that you have no rest in your spirit and anguish in your heart (2 Corinthians 1:8; 2:1-4, 12-13; 4:8-9; 6:4-5; 7:5; 11:23-28)?

That’s enough to make anyone “lose heart,” but Paul didn’t (2 Corinthians 4:1, 16). Instead, he offered this perspective: “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

So what kept Paul going, what kept him from losing heart? The same thing that keeps us all going—the comfort which God alone can provide. And did Paul ever receive it: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer. Our hope for you is unshaken, for we know that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3-7, ESV).

But exactly how did God comfort Paul? We may not know all the means God used, but we do know some, and they’re revealed in the first seven chapters of this same epistle. Let’s see how God did it, because it will help us understand how he comforts us, too.

By the coming of Titus, at just the right time. “Our bodies had no rest…we were troubled on every side. Outside were conflicts, inside were fears. Nevertheless God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus” (7:5-6). Wonder how many times we’ve had a faithful brother (or sister) come (or call, text, email, etc.) at just the right time?

By the love and encouragement of brethren. When Titus came, he brought comforting words concerning the Corinthians— that they still had affection for Paul; but more importantly, that efforts to lead them to repentance had been successful (7:7-12). Their obedience was a great source of joy and comfort to Paul (7:13-16), not to mention the prayers they offered on his behalf (1:11). Sound familiar? Let’s not grieve so long over the unfaithful (12:20-21) that we can’t find comfort in the faithful.

By giving him the opportunity to preach the glorious gospel of Christ. “Therefore, since we have this ministry…we do not lose heart” (4:1). And what an opportunity preaching provides—to diffuse the “fragrance of His knowledge in every place” (2:14), to reconcile men to God through Jesus Christ (5:18-21), to transform people into the image of Christ” (3:18), and to give them the hope of one day being “present with the Lord” (5:8). How comforting it is to know that whatever we suffer for preaching the gospel is absolutely worth it (1:6; 4:11- 15; 6:10).

By teaching him the love of Christ. “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). If the love of Christ and the purpose it gives our life can’t keep us going, we’ve got a serious heart problem.

By offering him the hope of eternal life. “Therefore we do not lose heart…for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). That’s what suffering looks like—“light” and “but for a moment”—when you look through the lens of eternity.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3).

— via the Weekly Bulletin of the Prattmont church of Christ, February 16, 2025

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Some Bumper Stickers I Like

Bill Crews 

Everyone is supposed to know that “I” followed by a heart-shaped symbol means, “I love.” They have cropped out everywhere in the form of bumper and window stickers. “I love N.Y.” (or some other state). “I Love My Cat.” “I Love My Dog.” “I Love My Truck.” And so on without end. l was pleased to see one man’s car whose bumper sticker proclaimed, “I Love My Wife.” Good for him! The Bible says, “Husbands. love your wives, and be not bitter against them” (Colossians 3:19). Are wives to love their husbands? “That they may train the young women to love their husbands, to love their children” (Titus 2:4).

In our war on illegal drugs in this nation (a war we appear to be losing, even to this very day), we are using the slogan “Say No To Drugs.” Or we use the word “drugs” with a circle around it and a slanted line through it. Young people especially are being urged to say “no” to drugs. A so-called friend usually introduces them to a product that spells the end of a normal life, the beginning of a miserable life, ending, possibly, in death. This, too, has become a common bumper and window sticker.

I saw a bumper sticker that read, “Say No To Sin.” How much better! And how much more our young people need to be taught this! It covers it all, illegal drugs and everything else that is illegal or immoral (whether legal or not). The Bible says, “Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). And, “Be sober, be watchful: your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour, whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world” (1 Peter 5:8–9). And, “Flee fornication” (1 Corinthians 6:18). And, “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14). And, “But flee youthful lusts, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). And, finally, “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness” (1 Timothy 6:11). Jesus said, “…For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). He also said, “… every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36). And He ended that discourse by saying, “For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). All of this applies equally to the signs we attach to our cars and SUVs as it does to the words that fall from our lips.  

— via the Roanridge Reader, Volume 35, Issue 7, page 3, February 16, 2020

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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 (except for last of the month Song Service)
and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes 
 
evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com

“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) “Martyr For Christ” (Jarrod M. Jacobs)
2) Sword Tips #139 (Joe R. Price)
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“Martyr For Christ”

Jarrod M. Jacobs

In my office, I have a picture of several preachers of the gospel from the late 1800s and early 1900s. I have heard of some of these men, and many I haven’t. However, one man stands out in that picture. This is a man named W. M. King. He stands out because, above his picture, there is a caption that reads, “A Martyr For Christ.” I know nothing about that man, but that inscription alone speaks volumes!

This simple yet moving epitaph for brother King reminds me of the statement made about Antipas in Revelation 2:13: “I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” Just as in the case of the picture, I know little about Antipas, but what God chose to reveal in Scripture speaks volumes! Of course, Antipas and bro. King are not the only ones who have died because they were faithful to God. What can we learn from these (and other) martyrs?

A Martyr Is A Living Example Of Revelation 2:10.

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days; be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” Being “faithful unto death” (KJV) means be faithful to the very taking of your life. This is what martyrs do! When faced with the possibility of losing their lives or losing favor with God, people like Antipas and bro. King chose to lose their lives! Their bravery in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring.

In addition to Antipas and brother King, another example of a martyr for Christ is a man named Polycarp. Polycarp was contemporary with the apostle John and suffered death due to his faith. When threatened with death for his refusal to renounce God and worship Caesar, he responded thusly before being burned at the stake: “For eighty-six years I’ve served Jesus, and he has never wronged me in any way. How, then, can I possibly curse my very King and Savior?”1

Christians must be faithful to God to the very taking of our lives. Martyrs for the cause of Christ show us just what it means to be faithful.

A Martyr’s Example Abides.

Solomon wrote, “I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had so done: this is also vanity” (Ecc. 8:10). In contrast with the evil ones that are often forgotten after their death, years after the death of various martyrs for Christ, we are still talking about them! Their example remains. The apostle Paul taught that the good works of the faithful cannot be hidden (I Tim. 5:25). Besides the martyrs we have mentioned, don’t forget Stephen, the first martyr for Christ (Acts 7). Indeed, he left an enduring example that not only teaches us, but it had to have also made an impression on Saul of Tarsus (Acts 7:58)! Stephen, when he knew he was going to be killed, did not apologize, change his teaching, or in any way compromise to “live another day.” His example abides and teaches us bravery in the face of man’s wrath.

A Martyr Has Vision.

In addition to martyrs named explicitly in the Bible, remember that Hebrews 11:35-38 lists the things that happened to the Lord’s faithful in years gone by. “Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:  And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) …” One’s life ending in a cruel death is not what people desire. Yet, these folks died such deaths, knowing that they would have a “better resurrection”! They understood that true meaning and purpose in life is not found here on earth but with God!

Hebrews 11:35-38 is one section of Scripture where we see the vision of the faithful. Their principles would not allow them to forsake the Lord. Therefore, they accepted the consequences of being the friend of God and an enemy of the world (cf. Jas. 4:4; Jn. 15:18-20). Hebrews 11:13-15 certainly applies to them because they, like Abraham, Noah, and others,“now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.” The man who has his eyes only upon the “here and now” will not have the vision necessary to see the “city” that is yet to come! Let us thank God for those who were faithful to the very taking of their lives and died in service to God.

Conclusion

As we witness the realities of what our predecessors have endured for God and the cause of Christ, let us take a moment to examine ourselves (II Cor. 13:5). Are we truly faithful to the Lord? Does I Corinthians 15:58 describe us? If not, why not? Are we standing strong and enduring (Matt. 10:22; Eph. 6:10)? If not, why not? Let us not compare our struggles to those of the martyrs, but rather learn from their unwavering faith and commitment. As the apostle said, we have not yet ‘resisted unto blood’ (Heb. 12:4), and we pray it will not be so in this land. However, many are enduring such trials and afflictions to this day. Let us pray for them and then prepare ourselves.

May the words of Hebrews 10:38-39 ring in our ears and settle in our hearts so that we live it in our lives! The Holy Spirit said, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”

Endnotes:

1. Bercot, David, Will The Real Heretics Please Stand Up, p. 2

— Via The Ancient Landmark, August 26, 2024

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

Sword Tips #139

(Daily tips from God’s word for God’s People)

Joe R. Price

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11).

God wants to protect you against the evil of sin. He certainly has the power to do so. But it is clear from this verse that there is more to it than that. You, dear Christian, must put on the armor of God. You must have the faith to be “strong in the Lord and the strength of His might.” It is God’s armor and not your strength that will victoriously protect you against the devil. You are weak without it, but with it you will “be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”.(Eph. 6:13). The armor of God is inseparably connected to God’s word, and is explained in Ephesians 6:14-17. Do you want to have a strong faith and live for Jesus? If so, then put on the armor God provides you. The battle for your soul has already begun.

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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 (except for last of the month for a Song Service)
and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes 
 
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) For What Shall We Pray? (Doy Moyer)
2) Forgiveness and Forgetting (Frank Jamerson)

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For What Shall We Pray?

Doy Moyer

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, he contrasted godly prayer with the hypocritical prayers made by those who desired more to be seen and the prayers heaped up with empty phrases. The prayer offered by Jesus as an example is not complicated or verbose. There is a reverent simplicity showing us that God is not wanting a show with flowery language. “Pray then like this,” Jesus said:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Matt 6:9-13).

This was not meant to be a formula of mere words to be mindlessly repeated. Jesus shows us various categories that need our attention as we go before God. We ought to address God with great reverence and respect. We should pray for His kingdom, for His will to be done. We need to pray about our daily sustenance, for forgiveness, and aid in avoiding temptation.

We can turn to the Psalms and see ways in which we can express our thoughts, our praise, our troubles, and our confessions. We also see places where Paul, as an example, asks for prayers for himself as he faced the difficulties in spreading the gospel (Col 4:2-4; Eph 6:18-19). Yet we still sometimes wonder what we can be more specific about in our prayers. Following are more suggestions, though surely not exhaustive. Perhaps these can stir some thoughts that will encourage us to expand on specific matters for which we can pray. As we do this, think of this as a principle we can work with as well: Paul told the Philippians, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Phil 4:6). Whatever we can worry about, we can pray about.

Some specific areas for which we can be praying include:

1. The physical pain and struggles so many face, from sickness to injury and the unknown reasons. Physical difficulties are a part of this world. We can pray for each others’ well-being during times of physical ailment and trouble.

2. The mental and emotional traumas that so many suffer, perhaps even from childhood or other situations over which they had no control. We may not even be aware of what many go through. They may seem well enough on the outside, but inside hurting and crying for help.

3. The spiritual agony of those trying to find the way and of those who are on the edge of falling into sins that would take them down a dark path leading to regret and death. Some sit on the fence wondering if they will make it, perhaps afraid to say anything to anyone for fear of what others may think. We need to pray and be open to the sharing of such struggles so that we can help bear the load (Gal 6:1-2).

4. A culture that has contributed to moral confusion and loss of respect for reality and truth, manifested in, for example, a defense of taking the lives of the unborn or redefined views of gender, love, and marriage; a cultural in which evil is called good and good evil (Isa 5:20). The world is lost, sheep gone astray, and needing what the Lord offers. Pray for them.

5. Government and public leaders, including: 1) those who abuse power and contribute to fear and oppression over those who have no power; 2) those who are among the few who seek God’s help and try to represent with integrity and honor. Remember Paul’s admonition to Timothy to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim 2:2).

6. Churches that struggle with division; Elders who deal with difficult situations; preachers who cry to be heard and to encourage; Christians who feel betrayed and torn down; Christians who need basic encouragement to get through the week. We are all likely in here somewhere, and we need the encouragement of knowing that we are praying for one another.

7. Christians who just want to grow, heal, and contribute what they can to the Kingdom of God. They are looking for ways to serve and want to know they are useful in what they do.

8. Parents who have such deep concerns about their children growing up, how to handle the world, and how to maintain balance in the home. This is no small matter. Those who have already raised children and those who have no children can still pray for young parents who are in the midst of trying to raise their children up in the Lord.

9. Wives and husbands who work to keep their marriage what it ought to be; wives and husbands who aren’t loving one another well and struggle to keep things together; homes that can be beacons in a dark world and homes that have fallen to the world. All need prayer.

What would you add? For what are you praying? “Pray without ceasing.”

— Via Bulletin Articles from the Vestavia church of Christ, September 24 2025

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Forgiveness And Forgetting

Frank Jamerson

Many Christians have a problem with forgiveness and forgetting. They ask God’s forgiveness, but still feel that because of their remembering the sin, they may not have been forgiven. Sometimes, those who obey the Lord in baptism continue to remember their past sins and wonder whether God has truly forgiven them.

There is a difference between being forgiven and forgetting. Saul of Tarsus was forgiven of his sins when he was baptized “to wash away” his sins (Acts 22:16), but he remembered his past sins when he wrote Timothy (1 Tim. 1:13-15). In the Old Testament we read of David being forgiven, yet he remembered his past sins. Nathan said, “God hath put away thy sin” (2 Sam. 12:13), but years later David wrote about his past sins (Psa. 32:1-5). The apostle Peter was pricked in the heart by the crowing of a rooster (Lk. 22:61, 62), and obviously repented of his sin. His life afterward shows clearly that he was aware of God’s forgiveness, but no doubt the sound of a rooster crowing sent pains through his heart for a long time after that event.

The Bible records many sins that God had forgiven and did not hold against the forgiven party. Did God remember them? If not, how did He inspire the writers to write about them? Did God forgive the fornicator in Corinth, after he repented? In the second epistle to the Corinthians, Paul said, “Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many; so that contrariwise ye should rather forgive him and comfort him, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow” (2 Cor. 2:6,7). This clearly implies that God had forgiven him, and that they were to do likewise, yet God “remembered” in the sense that he inspired Paul to write about it. There is a difference between forgiving and forgetting.

When a child of God commits sin and asks God’s forgiveness, how does he know that he has been forgiven? The same way that an alien sinner knows that God has forgiven him – by what God said! God said that if “we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9). This does not mean that we forget that we committed the sin, but we can be assured that God treats us as though we had never committed it. He does not hold it against us.

Though Paul remembered the terrible persecutions that he had inflicted upon God’s people (1 Tim. 1:12-15), he could still “forget the things that are behind” (Phil. 3:13), in the sense that he did not allow them to hinder his faithfulness to Christ. There was no doubt in Paul’s mind whether God had forgiven him. Neither should there be any in our minds when we conform to the conditions God has revealed.

— Via Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 4, p. 117, February 16, 1984

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume28/GOT028066.html

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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: 7 p.m. Bible Classes 
 
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.)