Author: Tom Edwards (Page 6 of 49)

The Gospel Observer

November 5, 2023 / Tom Edwards

“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 Apostle to the Gentiles (Kyle Pope)
2) “He who DOES…” (Bryan Gibson)
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The Apostle to the Gentiles

Kyle Pope

After Paul left Philippi, Luke records that Paul passed through Amphipolis, Apollonia, and upon coming to Thessalonica went into the synagogue and taught “as his custom was” (Acts 17:1-2, NKJV). While this custom is demonstrated throughout the book of Acts, in Luke’s account of his earlier work in Pisidian Antioch we learn why Paul practiced this custom. When Jews in the city rejected his teaching about Jesus, Paul and Barnabas declared to them, “It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46).

Immediately after saying this, Luke records that they applied a text in Isaiah to their own work, telling them further, “For so the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, That you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth’” (Acts 13:47). In the context of Isaiah, the text was describing the role the Messiah would play. Isaiah foretold that God would set the Messiah as “a light to the Gentiles,” Who would bring (as the Hebrew text puts it), “My salvation to the ends of the earth” (Isa. 49:6). Were Paul and Barnabas putting themselves in the place of the Messiah? No, they were drawing the necessary inference from Isaiah’s prophecy that if the Messiah was to bring God’s light and salvation to the Gentiles, His servants are charged to do the same.

Paul took this responsibility quite seriously. He told the Romans he was “an apostle to the Gentiles” (Rom. 11:13)—a ministry he magnified (NKJV) or made much of (NIV). So why wouldn’t he go first to the Gentiles? Why would he make it his custom to go first to Jewish synagogues to preach the gospel? He continued to tell the Romans that he took pride in (Wey) his ministry “if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them” (Rom. 11:14, NKJV). Let’s consider some patterns Paul demonstrates to us about teaching unbelievers (and believers).

1. The Most Obvious Prospects are not Always the Ones Who Accept the Truth. The Jews knew the Old Testament Scriptures. Paul affirmed, “the voices of the Prophets . . . are read every Sabbath” (Acts 13:27). They were awaiting the Messiah. This made them the most obvious prospects to accept the truth about Jesus, but unfortunately many did not. In most instances “some of them were persuaded” (Acts 17:4; cf. 17:12; 17:34; etc.), but almost always many rejected the truth. In our day, we might assume that the most likely candidates to accept the truth are those who come from believing families or have some type of faith (even though steeped in denominational error). That isn’t always the case. If we only pursue these prospects we may miss others whose hearts are a “blank state” free of religious prejudice and preconceptions.

2. Opposition from Those Who Believe Sometimes Presents Opportunities. In Thessalonica “the Jews who were not persuaded” (17:5) became envious and turned out to be a source of great persecution to Christians throughout Macedonia. This was not the type of jealousy Paul hoped to provoke, but in some cases even this served the cause of Christ. Although the converts in Thessalonica had “received the word in much affliction” (1 Thess. 1:6), they had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God” (1 Thess. 1:9), thus becoming “examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia” (1 Thess. 1:7). How Christians respond to the opposition that arises when we try to teach the more obvious prospects can open doors to teach those who are watching us.

3. The Truth is the Same, but the Starting Points Differ. It is significant to notice how Paul’s approach differs depending upon the background of the prospect or audience. When talking to Jews he pointed to Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (see Acts 13:16-41), but when talking to Gentiles this wasn’t where he started. This makes sense, because he couldn’t expect Gentiles (who did not know the Scriptures) to care about what the Jewish Scriptures foretold. Instead, he started with things to spark their interest. In Athens, he pointed to their own temple “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD” (Acts 17:23). He explained His nature (Acts 17:24-28a), quoting one of their own prophet’s claim that “we are also His offspring” (Acts 17:28b). Paul wasn’t equating pagan poetry with God’s word. He was establishing connections with those he was teaching. In Lystra, when Paul and Barnabas healed a crippled man the people imagined that they were gods and tried to offer sacrifices to them (Acts 14:9-13). In response, they had to cut through their superstitions and explain limits of their own human nature in contrast to the power of the true and living God (Acts 14:14-18). In Ephesus, Paul worked with those who once practiced magic arts, leading them to reject this and even destroy the books that taught what they once practiced (Acts 19:13-20). When we try to teach unbelievers, although our goal is to lead them to God’s word, we too may have to start with things they understand. There will be superstitions and false ideas they have. Gently and respectfully addressing these erroneous beliefs and contrasting them with the truth can allow us to move them to consider what the Scripture teaches.

4. Have the Courage to Speak the Truth. Although Paul’s approach in teaching Gentiles was often more gentle than his approach to his Jewish brethren, that was not a reflection of timidity. He told the idolaters in Lystra to “turn from these useless things to the living God” (Acts 14:15). In Athens, he confessed to the intellectual philosophers of the Areopagus his confidence in a future day of judgment and resurrection from the dead (Acts 17:30-31)—a belief that led some to mock him (Acts 17:32). When Paul taught the Roman governor Felix, he courageously spoke to him “about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come” causing Felix to be “afraid” and send Paul away (Acts 24:25). Josephus tells that Felix had seduced a married woman to leave her husband and marry him (Antiquities 20.7.2). He was living in adultery (Matt. 19:9). He had good reason to fear. Even so, Paul was bold enough to speak the truth. As we teach unbelievers, we will undoubtedly encounter those who practice lifestyles and beliefs that are dramatically opposed to the doctrine of Christ. While we must certainly be gentle and kind as we teach them the truth that will expose the sinfulness of their condition, we must never in our gentleness fail to speak the truth to them in love (Eph. 4:15). Paul had the courage to tell the truth in all things, and we must do the same.

5. Failure in One Area, Can Lead to Success in Another. An interesting consequence of Paul’s custom of going to Jews first, then turning to the Gentiles, was the fact that it presented him with unexpected spiritual successes, on the heels of spiritual failures. That is, the rejection of the truth by those who would have been expected to accept it, presented unlikely prospects the opportunity to hear the truth. Paul told the Jews, “since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles” (Acts 13:46). Sometimes the fact that one person we teach rejects the truth leads us to become discouraged and fail to even try to teach others. What if Paul had done that? Bro. Norman Sewell tells of a situation he once faced where a man was converted as a result of a correspondence course. Although that man did not remain faithful this led to the man’s brother also obeying the gospel. The man’s brother became a gospel preacher and has led others to obey the truth. Paul shows us that one person rejecting the truth shouldn’t lead us to stop teaching the lost. Sometimes that is the very thing that leads us to the souls who need the truth and will obey it.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 25, Issue 26, June 25, 2023
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“He Who DOES…”

Bryan Gibson

When you read 2 Timothy chapter 2, you can’t help but notice the many action words, all the things Timothy is told to DO: commit (v. 2); endure (3); consider (7); remember (8); remind (14); charge (14); shun (16); depart (19); flee (22); pursue (22); avoid (23); correct (25). And then the things he is told to BE, which also involves some DOING: “be strong” (1); “be diligent” (15); “be gentle to all, able to teach, patient” (24).

When studying the New Testament letters, especially the more practical sections, let’s make sure we clearly identify the rules, the admonitions, the commandments—the things God tells us to DO. Some will be explicitly stated (as in this chapter), others implied, still others shown by example; but whichever the case, let’s make sure we don’t miss them.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who DOES the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

“But be DOERS of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22).

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word
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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. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

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.)

The Gospel Observer

October 29, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Those Who Follow Their Own Spirit (Kyle Pope)
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Those Who Follow Their Own Spirit

Kyle Pope

Ezekiel 13:13 offers a serious warning that is as powerful today as it was when it was first spoken. It proclaims, “And the word of the Lord came to me saying, ‘Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own heart, “Hear the word of the Lord!”’ Thus says the Lord God: ‘Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing!’” (NKJV). Note two elements of this warning to these false prophets: (1) they “prophesy out of their own heart,” and (2) they “follow their own spirit.”

Have you ever formed a religious concept in your head, that seems so clear, so true, and so logical—but the source of that concept is not Scripture? The intensity of the thought can be almost overwhelming, as you start to feel as if you understand the mind of God—but once again, the source of that idea is not the word of God. Your aim is not to be presumptuous, or to exalt yourself, but the view seems so convincing to you that you feel as if you just know it must be so—regardless of the fact that it is not established by the revelation of God.

The question you must ask if you are ever faced with such a strong feeling is, How do you know? How can man know anything about God? The Bible does teach us that there are some things about God that are indicated by the natural world. Romans 1:20 teaches that in some sense God’s, “invisible attributes …even His eternal power and Godhead” can be “understood by the things that are made.” That tells us that nature can teach the soul open to it that there is a God! Only a Being of eternal existence would be capable of starting the complex and intricate systems of time and space that regulate the current universe. Only a Divine Being outside of the limits of time and space could act as the Prime Mover to start all that we can see around us. What about His thoughts? Simply because we can discern His existence from nature, does that tell us anything about His thoughts?

Someone might say, “the sky is blue—so blue must be His favorite color!” Another viewing the sunset might draw a different conclusion, and argue, “No, the sky is orange and red so these must be His favorite colors.” One person might see the tenderness of a mother hen and say, “God must be tender and compassionate,” while another person watching a predator catch and eat its prey concludes, “The Creator is cruel and heartless!” The fact is that any conclusions we draw about God’s thoughts from nature are destined to be speculative, highly subjective, and ultimately unverifiable because we have no way to determine when something in nature is a direct reflection of God’s desire, attitude, and disposition and when it is simply an inconsequential consequence of His creation.

In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians he offers us some powerful insight into this matter. Through the Holy Spirit, he asks the question, “For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of a man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God” (1 Cor. 2:11). Paul compares our knowledge of God to our knowledge of others. I can never know the mind of another person as fully as that person’s own spirit knows him. No one can know me as fully as I, that is my spirit, knows me. In the same way, we can never fully know the “things of God,” specifically His thoughts, apart from the revelation of His Spirit. So, how can we know the things of God’s Spirit?

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He promised His apostles that He would send them the Holy Spirit. As a part of this promise He told them two things the Holy Spirit would do: (1) He would guide them “into all truth” (John 16:13) and (2) He would bring to the memory of the apostles “all things that I,” that is Jesus, “said to you” (John 14:26). Many in the religious world seek to apply these promises to all believers, but if that was true every believer must possess at all times the perfect knowledge of “all things.” Clearly, believers who are alive today did not walk with Jesus, so the Holy Spirit cannot remind us of what we never heard. Is there another way to understand this?

Two passages give us the answer. 1 Peter 1:20-21 declares, “. . .No prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, [or “origin” from many footnotes] for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” The next, 2 Timothy 3:15-16 states, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God [this term means literally “God-breathed”] and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” This tells us that Scripture is the product of the Spirit. This tells us that Scripture is complete. So, we can know God’s thoughts through His words in Scripture.

Now then, let’s go back to the passage in Ezekiel. It is easy for man to think that his own intuition is correct whether or not his views are grounded upon the clear teaching of God’s word or not. We must test all things seeking “book, chapter, and verse” for all that we do and say. This approach to Bible study is often criticized today. Even some brethren reject it as “old fashioned” or “legalistic.” The fact is that it was this approach to faith that led to the American efforts toward restoring the New Testament church in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. It was this resolution to, “Speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent,” that led many men and women from all religious backgrounds to reject the chaos of the religious world and seek unity within the authority of Scripture. This respect for God’s word is what can guard against the scores of apostasies that can come from simply speaking out of our own heart!

We must recognize that apart from nature’s indication to us of God’s presence, the only way we can know anything about God is through what He has said. We must understand that looking at (and harmonizing) God’s words does not deny His power, but esteem it! Let’s recall Isaiah 66:2, “. . .On this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.” We cannot know God’s will by following our own spirit. We can try, but in doing so, we can be sure of one thing, we have “seen nothing!”

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 25, Issue 43, October 22, 2023

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

2) Believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

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

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

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

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

October 22, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Does God Violate His Own Laws? (Kyle Pope)
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Does God Violate His Own Laws?

Kyle Pope

From time to time we hear the critic of faith or the believer facing doubts level the charge against God that He is inconsistent. The argument is that God makes laws for us, but violates those laws Himself. If this is true, so it is argued, God demands more of us than He does of Himself. Let’s explore this argument to test its validity.

Basic Elements of Law

1. Authority. Law, by its very nature, requires a few basic elements. First, there must be an established authority to make the law. In the case of federal law, the United States consists of branches of duly elected representatives of the people who pass and enforce laws. When it comes to natural law, there are no written ordinances, but the authority that established the principles that govern nature (i.e. God) put them in place by virtue of the fact that He created nature and so has the right to order it as He pleases (cf. Jer. 33:25). Divine Law that is given by revelation is higher than any human law. It is not set by man although many laws of man derive their authority from divine law—and thus from God Himself. Just as God made the elements of the natural world with the laws that govern them, God made man as a spiritual being and He alone holds the ultimate authority to regulate his behavior (Ps. 119:105).

2. Rules. A second element common to all law is some type of rules or regulations. All laws mandate certain things that must operate a certain way. A system without rules is said to be lawless. Any system that is governed by law operates within set rules and guidelines. It could be a speed limit. The law mandates “70 miles per hour” as the maximum speed at which a vehicle can travel on a certain road. It could be behavior. It is a crime to steal. The nature of the rules depends upon the nature of the thing regulated. In some cases the authority that enforces the rule is understood to stand outside of the rule. The highway patrolman who exceeds 70 miles per hour is not guilty if he does this to catch a driver who is speeding. The policeman that confiscates stolen property is not a thief. Part of their authority exempts them from some measure of accountability to the very laws they must enforce.

3. Jurisdiction. A third element of all law is jurisdiction. For law to have meaning there must be some realm over which a given law has dominion. The ancient laws of the Hittite empire may be curious relics of antiquity but they no longer hold any power because there is no longer a Hittite empire. The realm and the region over which these laws once held power no longer exists. In regional governments the issue of jurisdiction is paramount. The authority of one state cannot enforce its laws on the citizens of another because it does not have jurisdiction. By the same token, if I violate a practice that is considered criminal in another jurisdiction, but is permitted within the county, state, or country where I live I am not guilty. A good example of this is the burka worn by Muslim women. A woman in the United States is not a criminal if she refuses to wear a burka even though it is required by law in countries such as Saudi Arabia.

4. Subjects. Finally, in a very similar way, all law must involve subjects—that is, those who are under obligation to that law. I could write an imaginary law, for an imaginary jurisdiction, over an imaginary population of people but its force would remain just that—imaginary, because where there are no subjects there is no law. The region where the former Hittite empire once reigned still exists but its people no longer exist. On the other hand, as citizens of the United States we are obligated to obey the laws of our nation because we are properly subjects of the government which holds authority over us, and thus subject to its laws.

God’s Relationship to His Own Laws

1. Laws of Nature. Let’s start by looking at laws of nature. As we have already noted, God is the authority who established these laws. There are set rules that define these laws. Laws of gravity demand that a rock falls to the ground—it doesn’t float up into the sky. Is God within the jurisdiction of natural law? A key difference between the picture of the God of the Bible and the concepts of pagan false religions is what is called transcendence. The God of the Bible exists outside of the natural realm that He created. In other words, while Zeus, or Anubis, or Odin were themselves subject to certain laws of nature, the God of the Bible stands outside of the jurisdiction of natural laws. He is the “unmoved Mover.” He is the First Cause of all things! That means He can make an ax-head float (2 Kings 6:5-6). He can make time stand still (Josh. 10:12-13). He can make the shadow of the sundial go backwards (2 Kings 20:10-11). He is not under the jurisdiction of natural law, but every atom within this present universe, together with every soul made in His image is. They are subjects of the natural laws that God established over His creation. Because God transcends the natural universe, He is not a subject of His own creation, and is therefore not subject to the laws that govern it.

2. Moral or Religious Law.What about moral or religious laws? There is an interesting example that concerns the Sabbath commandment. The rules required that no ordinary work was to be done on the seventh day (Exod. 20:10). This was a law that was not given until the Law of Moses was revealed (Neh. 9:14). It was a law that was not restated under the Law of Christ (Col. 2:16). That means that those who worked on the seventh day before the Law of Moses, as well as those who now live under Christ, and even those who were not a part of the Mosaic covenant during the time of the Israelite commonwealth were outside of its jurisdiction and were not, therefore, subject to its regulation.What about God? This law was drawn from what was said about God’s creation (Exod. 20:11). The present universe was made in six days, but Scripture tells us that after this was done, God “rested on the seventh day from all the work which He had done” (Gen. 2:2). Even before this was given as a law to the Israelites, God is said to have “blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it” (Gen. 2:3). The Hebrew writer, in one sense speaks of God’s works being “finished from the foundation of the world” (Heb. 4:3-4); but Jesus, when criticized for healing on the Sabbath said, “My Father has been working until now, and I have being working” (John 5:16-17). Did God violate His own Sabbath law? No. He stood outside of its jurisdiction and like those before and after the Law of Moses, He was not subject to its regulation.

3. Genocide. This may seem reasonable when we are talking about things like the Sabbath law, but what is most frequently criticized is God’s treatment of His creation. That is, He commands us not to murder, but then He has commanded the extermination of the Canaanites, and Amalekites. Or, He commands us not to harm one another but He promises to punish the wicked throughout all eternity. Is He breaking His own laws in these examples? What are the basic elements of law in these examples? God is, once again, the established authority and He has set the rules that govern appropriate behavior. Yet, has God defined all taking of life as wrong? No! It is true that man is not to avenge himself (Rom. 12:19), and God condemns murder (Exod. 20:13), but He grants to the civil authority the right to punish even to the point of death those guilty of certain laws (Rom. 13:4). Is the executioner a murderer? No. Like the policeman who speeds to catch someone speeding, the executioner in his authority to carry out punishment is (to a measure) exempt from accountability to the law he is enforcing (cf. Num. 35:27). God on some specific occasions commanded Israel (in essence) to act as His executioner (Deut. 7:1-5; 25:17-19; 1 Sam. 15:1-5). The Canaanites and Amalekites were among some of the most wicked people that history has ever known (Deut. 9:4; Ps. 106:34-37). God bore with their wickedness for a time in order to give them time to repent (cf. Gen. 15:16). When the time came, He used Israel as the vehicle by which He ended their ability to do any more wickedness. Did He violate His own law? No. First, because He was never under the jurisdiction of this law, nor a subject to obey it, but also because the people whom He used to carry out His punishment were not violating any divine law themselves. They were carrying out lawful punishment—in this case in the form of warfare.

4. Eternal Punishment. What about eternal punishment? The issue of jurisdiction is applicable to this question as well. God is not under the jurisdiction of the laws He has set for His creation. When Judgment Day comes the nature of the present jurisdiction will be changed. What rules will govern the age to come? The jurisdiction of the realm of the saved will not be the same as the jurisdiction of the realm of the condemned. For example, to some measure, in that age the present laws of nature will be changed. In the jurisdiction of the saved there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor pain because for them “the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). On the other hand, some of these things will exist for the lost—“the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever” (Rev. 14:11). Is it cruel for God to punish the wicked eternally? Let’s consider this from another angle. If I create something—a piece of pottery, a bird house, a painting, or a machine—what rights do I have over that thing I have created? Am I cruel to the pottery if I reshape it into another vessel? (cf. Jer. 18:5-6). Have I sinned against the bird house if I decide to use it for something else? If the machine turns out to be dangerous, am I a monster if I make certain it is kept away from ever causing any harm to anyone ever again? No.

In our creation it is God that formed the molecules and synaptic responses that form our physical bodies (Ps. 139:13-16). We are His creation—He can do with us as He pleases. God asked Judah, “can I not do to you as this potter?” (Jer. 18:6). Above all other creatures in this universe, He has blessed us by placing within us a spirit that is said to be in His image (Gen. 1:26-27)—we are from this point onward eternal creatures (Eccl. 3:11). That is a blessing! But it is a blessing that demands responsibility. The nature and demands of God are such that all creatures that bear His likeness must conform to His law. For those who fail in this (which is to say all who are morally accountable in age and ability) He has made provision for this failure by the atonement of Christ. What is God to do with those of His creation whom He has made eternal who remain in rebellion to His authority and refuse His regulation? Since He is not a subject of His own law, and therefore not under the jurisdiction of His own authority we cannot even compare any action He takes to punish wrong with committing wrong—remember the executioner is not a murderer. Confiscation is not theft. Those who reject the gospel of Christ establish themselves as a type of eternally dangerous machine that must be forever put where it can never harm the subjects of God’s kingdom ever again—that is essentially what hell is. Is this cruel on God’s part? No, it is His right as Creator and the transcendent authority over His creation.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 25, Issue 22, May 28, 2023

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

2) Believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classesand 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

October 15, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Is God to Blame for Human Wickedness (Kyle Pope)
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Is God to Blame for Human Wickedness

Kyle Pope

Any concept of God’s involvement with His creation must (in some way) answer the problem of God’s relationship to evil. Three hundred years before the time of Christ, the Greek philosopher Epicurus, coined what has come to be known as the Epicurean Paradox, which argues that if God can remove evils and doesn’t then He must be evil—if He can’t remove them then He isn’t God.* Centuries later the eighteenth century Scottish skeptic David Hume, restated this argument asking of God, “Is he willing to prevent evil, but not able? Then he is impotent. Is he able, but not willing? Then he is malevolent. Is he both able and willing? Whence then is evil?” (Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, 10).

In religious discussions this problem has also arisen. John Calvin, the sixteenth-century Protestant reformer, argued that the only answer to this was to view God as the cause of all things. In citing Lamentations 3:38 and Amos 3:6 he argued that “good as well as evil was produced by the command of God” (Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1.17.8). To answer the charge that this would make God the cause of things contrary to His will he said it is “the feebleness of our intellect” that keeps us from understanding how God “wills and wills not the very same thing” (ibid., 1.18.3). Calvin’s followers tried to resolve this inconsistency by claiming that the power, wisdom, and goodness of God caused “the first fall, and all other sins of angels and men” and yet God somehow did it in such a way that human sinfulness comes, “only from the creature [i.e. human beings], and not from God” (Westminster Confession of Faith, “Of Providence,” 5.4). This did not resolve Calvin’s inconsistency. How can evil be the “command of God” and yet come from man and “not from God”?

What Does the Bible Teach?

The Bible is not a systematic philosophical encyclopedia, but it is the revelation of God to particular people, on specific issues, within given contexts. It reveals what is needed for human beings to “be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (1 Tim. 3:16-17). Any concept of God’s relationship to evil must be carefully framed by the bounds set within Scripture. This demands some very basic questions:

1. What Is Evil?

In English the noun evil is defined very narrowly to mean “profound immorality, wickedness, and depravity, esp. when regarded as a supernatural force” (New Oxford American Dictionary). In Scripture, however, the words translated “evil” are much broader. In the Old Testament the Hebrew verb ra’a’ meant “to be bad, to be evil” (BDB). In the New Testament, the Greek adjective kakos can refer to things that are simply “troublesome” or to things that are “wicked” (Thayer). This is where some of the problem lies. Everything that is evil (as we use the term) could be said to be “bad,” but not everything “bad” is necessarily evil in any moral sense. A toothache, for example, is a bad thing. I might even use hyperbole and say “my toothache is evil,” but a toothache has nothing to do with “profound immorality” or “depravity.” It is not literally evil in any moral sense.

James tells us through the Holy Spirit, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil (Gr. kakos), nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (Jas. 1:13-14, NKJV). James is likely using the word kakos in the narrow sense of moral “evil” in much the same way we think of it. God feels no allurement to “profound immorality” or “wickedness” nor does He seek to entice us with such things. The Psalmist declares, “You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil (ra’) dwell with You” (Psa. 5:4). In other texts, however, such as those that troubled Calvin, we must understand the sense differently. Jeremiah, for example, declared that “out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth” both “evil (ra’) and good” (Lam. 3:38, KJV). We might recall that Lamentations is a song of mourning over the destruction of Jerusalem brought on as punishment for the sins of Judah. The NKJV translates this “woe and well-being”—this is not evil in a moral sense. Amos asked through the Holy Spirit, “shall there be evil (ra’) in a city, and the Lord hath not done it?” (Amos 3:6, KJV). Amos was reminding the Israelites, who had been promised that they would fall to their enemies if they were unfaithful to God (Deut. 28:15-68), the danger that lay before them if they did not repent. The NKJV properly translates this “calamity” rather than “evil.” Isaiah, in another text to which Calvin appealed, quoted God in saying, “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil (ra’): I the Lord do all these things” (Isa. 45:7, KJV). How could God create moral “evil” and yet at the same time say that He tempts no one with “evil”? Obviously, the sense of each of these passages is broader than the way we understand the word evil. In this final passage, the NKJV once again puts it “calamity” rather than “evil.” To allow something bad to happen is not the same as acting with “profound immorality” or “wickedness.”

2. What Is the Source of Evil?

Scripture makes it clear that although God allows hardship or calamity He is not the cause of evil in its most narrow sense of “wickedness” or “depravity.” In the same text in which James tells us that God tempts no one, he explains the source of human wickedness—“each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed” (Jas. 1:14, NKJV). God has created man with desires that alone are neither good nor evil. All human desires have lawful outlets by which they can be fulfilled. My desire for food can lawfully be fulfilled by working for a living (2 Thess. 3:8). My desire for sexuality may be lawfully fulfilled in lawful marriage (1 Cor. 7:2-4). If I choose to satisfy my desire for food by stealing a loaf of bread, I have taken a natural desire and satisfied it in a sinful way. If I choose to satisfy my desire for sexuality with sex outside of marriage, I have done the same. Scripture calls this choice following “ungodly lusts” (Jude 18), or walking according to one’s “own lusts” (2 Pet. 3:3; Jude 16), and pursuing things that are the “desires of the flesh and of the mind” (Eph. 2:3). The source of this type of evil is not God—it is our own refusal to submit to His will for the satisfaction of our desires. The source of all human wickedness can be traced to some unlawful attempt to satisfy desire in a way that is contrary to God’s revealed will.

3. Why Doesn’t God Remove Evil?

The Psalmist declared, “Oh, let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just; for the righteous God tests the hearts and minds” (Ps. 7:9). Freedom of choice demands alternatives. Would a multiple-choice test with only one choice for each question really test a student’s knowledge? Why do democratic societies criticize totalitarian regimes that stage mock elections with only one candidate on the ballot? Because choice demands alternatives. This life is a testing ground. As the text declares “God tests the hearts and minds.” This life is a test to determine if we will follow our own desires in our own ways or submit to God. It is in this way that God determines if man will “seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).

God is never the cause of evil in its most narrow sense of moral “wickedness,” but He does grant to man a brief period of time in this life in which his choices to follow his own “ungodly lusts” can produce “wickedness” towards himself or those around him. Is it evil on God’s part to allow the opportunity for the evil man to harm others? No, first because He has commanded man not to do evil (2 Kings 17:13; Ezek. 18:32). When man does evil, it is in rebellion to God. Second, He has limited the evil that man can do—our lifetimes are temporary (Gen. 6:3; Psa. 90:12). The wickedness that any man can commit can extend no further than his own lifetime, or the lifetime of the one he has harmed. Third, He will punish the wicked for their rebellion and any harm done to others (Jude 14-15). The Psalmist’s plea “let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end” will be fulfilled when God condemns the wicked and delivers His people.

* Epicurus’s argument is preserved in a work by Lacantius (ca. AD 240-320) entitled On the Anger of God (11.13). The full argument reads:

God. . . either wishes to take away evils, and is unable; or He is able, and is unwilling; or He is neither willing nor able, or He is both willing and able. If He is willing and is unable, He is feeble, which is not in accordance with the character of God; if He is able and unwilling, He is envious, which is equally at variance with God; if He is neither willing nor able, He is both envious and feeble, and therefore not God; if He is both willing and able, which alone is suitable to God, from what source then are evils? or why does He not remove them?

Lacantius was an adviser to the Roman emperor Constantine and he quotes Epicurus to refute his view that the gods were distant, unconcerned, and uninvolved in the affairs of mankind.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 25, Issue 39, September 24, 2023

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

2) Believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

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

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

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

6) Continue in the faith by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA 31501

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

October 8, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) “Let there be light” (Jerry Fite)
2) The Shame of Acting Without Knowledge (Heath Rogers)
3) How A Christian Is Like A Watch (Johnie Edwards)
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“Let there be light”

Jerry Fite

God spoke these words after He created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1-3). It was the first order of business to help sustain life, which was to come next. Living things, like plants, animals, and man would need light to assure and sustain their existence. As man would be served by animals, and the man and animals would be served by plants, none could exist without light. Therefore, light was commanded by God “to be” and exalting the glorious power of God, “there was light.”

While God ordained the sun to provide light and heat on the earth, God does not need the sun to provide light. Light came by command on the first day of creation, while the sun was made on the fourth day (Genesis 1:3-5; 16-19). John reveals that the glorious eternal city of heaven does not need the sun for its light, “for the glory of God did lighten it, and the lamp thereof is the lamb” (Revelation 21:23). God is light and dwells in unapproachable light. Bright light, void of contaminants, exalts His glory (I John 1:5, I Timothy 6:16).

As light was the first priority with God to sustain life, our lives shining as lights to reflect the glory of God should be our life-long priority. In a dark world of coarse speech and impurity, there is a need for clean, uplifting words and pure lives. Christians are “light in the Lord,” therefore they need to walk “as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Their speech should not spew out verbal filth, or corrupt minds with impure innuendos but their words should lift up others, being filled with thanksgiving (Ephesians 5:3-4). Covetousness and fornication characterize the darkness that light is not only forbidden to “fellowship,” but even must “reprove.” It must because that is what light does. Light always exposes darkness (Ephesians 5:11-13).

In our dark world of ignorance, there is a need for the light of knowledge. As God commanded light to shine out of darkness, He through the Gospel gives “the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6); while the “god of this world” tries to blind the eyes of the world so they will not obtain the knowledge of God through Jesus. Christians should be shining, holding forth the word of life (Philippians 2:16).

A dark world needs to see Christians who are not murmuring or questioning the demands of God (Philippians 2:15). How can your so-called light glorify our Father in heaven, and His Son, Jesus Christ, when others in darkness hear us complain of the restrictive or “straitened way” that God demands of us through His Holy Spirit (Matthew 7:13-14).

In this dark world of hate, the light of love needs to shine. If a man confesses to be a Christian, and hates his brother, God says he is really “in the darkness” (I John 2:11). Darkness has blinded his eyes. God’s love is not that we are just kind to people whom we like, but we seek the well-being of all, even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Love is not mere fuzzy good intentions, but concrete action which truly meets the need of the one we are to love (I John 3:15-18).

As light was a priority in the sequence of God’s creation of the universe, light should be a priority in our lives as we live in this world before God’s eyes. The command is clear: God said, “Let there be light.” A spiritually dark world desperately needs light. Dear Christian, let us resolve to be a light of purity in our dark world of impurity! May we be a light of knowledge in this dark world of ignorance! In us, let the light of love shine in this dark world of hate!

— Via Glad Tidings, Vol. XXXI, No. 13, March 28, 2021

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The Shame of Acting Without Knowledge

Heath Rogers

“Also it is not good for a person to be without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps errs. The foolishness of man ruins his way, and his heart rages against the Lord” (Proverbs 19:2-3, NASU).

The impulsive fool acts first and thinks later. Zeal is commendable, but not when it is lacking knowledge (Rom. 10:2). It is one thing for a man to be uninformed about God’s ways, but it is much worse for him to act in his ignorance with zealous haste and end up with the consequences. Solomon elsewhere warns that acting in haste leads to poverty (Prov. 21:5) and punishment (28:20).

The man without knowledge “who hurries his footsteps errs.” The Hebrew word translated errs means to “miss the mark.” It is rendered as “misses his way” in the English Standard Version. In a hurry to do things his own way, the impulsive fool misses God’s path to blessings and reaps the bitter consequences. He runs past the good choice to do things his own way.

This man also ruins his way. The word translated “ruin” means to distort, twist, or pervert. Not only does his foolishness cause him to miss the Lord’s straight path, it also causes him to destroy his own path. He “brings his way to ruin” (ESV). God’s statutes are constraining, but they are “for our good always” (Deut. 6:24). However, fools refuse to listen to God, run past His ways, and plunge themselves into problems.

Had this fool sought for and listened to wise counsel, he would have found blessings. Instead, he has ruin. How many young people today refuse to listen to sound advice, scoff at the warnings of the wise, and bring ruin upon themselves and others?

To make matters worse, this fool blames God for his misery. He only has himself to blame, but he will never take personal responsibility for his undoing. Instead “his heart rages against the Lord.” The word translated “rages” means to be vexed, enraged, or embittered against someone. Some people today blame God for all the pain and failures in their lives, but He is not at fault. God’s wisdom has been offered to them all along, but they have stubbornly refused (Prov. 1:20-33). Such foolishness results in frustration in this life and torment in the next.

When we have acted foolishly, the wise thing is to examine ourselves, take personal responsibility, repent, and seek God’s way. However, God would have us avoid this problem in the first place by seeking knowledge. “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days” (Prov. 19:20).

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, October 2023

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How A Christian Is Like A Watch

Johnie Edwards

By taking something with which we are familiar we can draw some simple comparisons. Let’s show how a Christian is like a watch.

1. Full of good works. A watch is full of good works. Each one who is a Christian should be full of good works also. It is said that Dorcas, “was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did” (Acts 9:36). This woman was not only full of good works but she did good works! Every individual member of the church must “be ready to every good work” (Titus 3:1). We are also admonished, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

2. Keeps going in all kinds of weather. We have cold weather this winter but my watch has kept right on going regardless of the weather. Paul has told us to be stedfast. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Cor. 15:58).

3. Has useful hands. The hands on a watch are important and useful. The hands of a Christian are important and have purpose. Solomon said, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do; do it with all thy might . . .” (Eccl. 9:10). Let’s find a use for our hands and use them for good.

4. Cleanliness insures good performance. For a watch to function properly, it must be kept clean. This is also true of a Christian. He must have a clean heart. The Psalmist said, “Create in me a clean heart” (Ps. 51:10). We are made clean by the word (John 15:3).

5. The main spring must be kept right. The main spring in watches must be kept right for them to run properly. The heart of man is his main spring and it must be right. “Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).

6. Has to be regulated. Often times a watch has to be adjusted for accuracy. Christians need to be regulated. We are regulated by the word of God. Paul said, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

— Via Viewpoint from the Valley Grove church of Christ, October 18, 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 and 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

October 1, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) THE CHURCH: Recognizing the Bible Pattern (Ron Halbrook)
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THE CHURCH:
Recognizing the Bible Pattern

Ron Halbrook

Introduction

“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13, NKJV).

God’s love, care, and sovereignty are manifested in His patterns. His will, purposes, and commandments are expressed in propositions of truth. The patterns and propositions revealed in His Holy Word define God’s relationships with man. The church of Christ is based on the pattern prepared by God, the Father, from eternity. That pattern is revealed in the things that Christ commanded His apostles to preach and teach in order to bring salvation to the world (Matt. 28:18-20).

God Is a God of Patterns

God is a God of patterns in the physical creation and the realm of spiritual redemption. “And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years” (Gen. 1:14). The heavenly bodies move in patterns that can be mapped so precisely that astronauts can safely travel among them and return to earth. The seasons come and go by rhythms under God’s constant care and control (Gen. 8:22). All of nature moves in cycles that are beautiful and essential to man’s well-being on earth (Ps. 147:8-9; Eccl. 1:4-7).

In ways that we cannot fathom, God’s redemptive plan—prepared from eternity—set in motion periods and events in human history that resulted in the Savior coming at precisely the right moment to save as many souls as possible. Nations rose and fell on God’s timetable until “the fulness of the time was come” when “God sent forth His Son…to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). Even the genealogy of Jesus followed a path or pattern reflecting God’s plan and purpose (Matt. 1; Luke 3:23-38).

From God’s vantage point, history is not a stream of random chaotic events, but rather it is a series of events falling into a perfect pattern to produce a perfect result. God replicated the history of Israel in the life of Jesus as we see the child of promise, His rescue from a tyrant’s execution order, his preservation by a journey into Egypt, the wilderness temptation, and the dawning of a new kingdom under God’s guiding hand (Matt. 1-7).

God’s sovereignty and His unfathomable love are revealed in His patterns. The gift of language from the time of man’s creation provides an avenue of close fellowship between God and man. Love flourished as God communicated with man and man with God—until sin entered the world. Then, for the first time, man was terrorized by “the voice of the Lord” (Gen. 3:8). Male and female expressed their love through language, the vehicle of ideas and ideals (Gen. 2:23-24).

Language functioned by patterns and propositions in the form of direct statements, approved examples, and necessary implications. Even when men—intoxicated with sophistry—attempt to deny the hermeneutic of language, they do so by employing it! Man can no more escape the patterns by which language functions than the patterns by which nature functions.

Like it or not, believe it or not, God is a God of patterns.

A God of Patterns in the Old Testament

The Bible is God’s wonderful gift of His patterns of truth that enable us to know Him and His love, and thus to live in fellowship with Him. Upon giving the patterns of truth necessary for Israel’s fellowship with Him, God strictly forbade adding “unto the word which I command you” or diminishing “ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God” (Deut. 4:1-2). His unalterable truth for the Mosaic dispensation included Jerusalem as the city of God’s chosen King and of His holy temple, animal sacrifices along with food and drink offerings, a special priesthood with robes designed to convey important truths, burning incense and using musical instruments in worship, observance of the Sabbath and other holy days, and a host of other instructions.

A God of Patterns in the New Testament

All these practices served an immediate purpose of sustaining fellowship between God and His people and helped to prepare for the reign of a new High Priest, Jesus Christ: “But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.” Reasoning from the lesser to the greater, if it was necessary to “make all things according to the pattern” that God gave at Mt. Sinai, it is all the more important that we embrace without alteration the patterns and propositions of truth revealed in the New Covenant, if we hope to live in fellowship with God (Heb. 8:5-6).

The New Testament presents the pattern of truth in propositions made accessible to us in direct statements, approved examples, and necessary implications. God expects us to read, understand, believe, and obey His instructions. We are explicitly warned not to “add unto these things” and not to “take away from the words” that are revealed by God (Rev. 22:18-19).

These words of truth reveal the great love of God in sending His only begotten Son to be our only beloved Savior (John 3:16). Jesus offered the perfect sacrifice for our sins, conquered death on our behalf, and established His rule in the new kingdom of God for our salvation (Rom. 5:6-11; Acts 2:36; Col. 1:13-14). Penitent believers must yield to Him in water baptism for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). The instructions given for a Christian life conform us to the image of His Son, drawing us closer and closer to the heart of God (Col. 3:10).

Christ established only one true church composed of all who are saved by the gospel—all other religions will be rooted up at his return (Eph. 4:4-6; Matt. 15:13). As the only head of the church, He alone can instruct us in the new and true way of worship: sharing the Lord’s supper and the fellowship of giving every Sunday, praying, teaching His Word, and singing (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2; Acts 2:42; Eph. 5:19). Men, rather than women, lead in worship (1 Tim. 2:12). His truth plants local churches which look directly to Him without added layers of human organization such as church councils, denominational organizations with their earthly boards and headquarters (Acts 14:23).

In 1825, Alexander Campbell wrote that before inquiring “what was the ancient order of worship . . . it may be expedient to consider whether there be any divinely authorized worship in the assembly of the saints.” He saw two irreconcilable answers: “Either there is a divinely authorized order of Christian worship in Christian assemblies, or there is not.” Campbell then reduced no patternism to its logical absurdity, as follows:

Where there is no order established there can be no disorder, for disorder is acting contrary to established order; where there is no standard there can be no error, for error is a departure or a wandering from a standard; where there is nothing fixed there can be no innovation, for to innovate is to introduce new things amongst those already fixed and established; and where there is no law there can be no transgression, for a transgression is a leaping over or a violating of legal restraints. Those, then, who contend that there is no divinely authorized order for Christian worship in Christian assemblies, do at the same time, and must inevitably maintain, that there is no disorder, no error, no innovation, no transgression in the worship of the Christian Church—no, nor ever can be. This is reducing one side of the dilemma to what may be called a perfect absurdity (Christian Baptist, Vol. 2, 239-243).

If there is no pattern, Campbell pointed out that various assemblies of worship could be devoted to nothing but dancing, singing, shouting, running, lying prostrate on the ground, reading, listening to a speaker, sitting silently, waving palm branches, crying, or playing an organ. To exclude any act from worship, a person must refer to some fixed standard.

Conclusion

Knowing that the true God is a God of patterns, Paul wrote to Timothy, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13, NKJV).

Author Bio: Ron has worked with the Hebron Lane church of Christ in Shepherdsville, KY since August of 1997. David Dann and Ron work together. Ron has made seventy-seven trips to the Philippines. He and Donna have three children and ten grandchildren. The church website is hebronlane.com. He can be reached at halbrook@twc.com.

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume 64, No. 4, April 2020, http://truthmagazine.com/kindle/2020/2020-04-apr/05_Church.htm

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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 Classesand 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

September 24, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Where Love Is in the Home (Bryan Gibson)
2) How To Be Happy (Ken Weliever)
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Where Love Is in the Home

Bryan Gibson

Years ago, I remember hearing our brother in Christ, R.J. Stevens, along with some other men, singing a hymn entitled, “Where Love is in the Home.” It was written by Joe Parks, and the first line helps us to see what the song is all about: “Where love is in the home there’s happiness…” Not just happiness, but a whole lot of other good things, too, and this song details at least some of them.

The love of which this song speaks is not what the world typically defines as love; it’s the love rooted in the very character of God. 1 John 4:7-8 says, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” When both husband and wife have been born of God and know God, they will know love in its highest form. So, when this love is in the home, what else should we expect to find?

Where love is in the home, there’s strength, or stability, an element sadly missing in so many homes. Think about what is often said in traditional vows: “For richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health…” These vows anticipate times of adversity, right? Ecclesiastes 7:14 speaks of a “day of prosperity” and a “day of adversity,” and says “God has appointed the one as well as the other.” How does love, then, behave in times of adversity? “Love bears all things…endures all things…love never fails” (1 Cor. 13:7-8). Think of the strength, the stability you can have in the home when the two at the forefront are both saying this: “My love, it’s here for the duration; come what may, it’s not going anywhere.”

Where love is in the home, there’s peace. Understand, there can’t be peace with one another unless there is first peace with God. One is designed by God to be a byproduct of the other. But in terms of peace with one another, think of that great command in 1 Peter 1:22, “love one another fervently with a pure heart.” Pure love means it’s free from impurities or contaminants, some of which would greatly disturb peace in the home. Think of the peace you can have when love is free from selfishness, and free from other fruits of selfishness, like envy, and bitterness, and vengefulness. Take those impurities out and here’s what love look likes in the home: “love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own; is not provoked…” (1 Cor. 13:4-5). Where you have THAT love in the home, there is peace.

Where love is in the home, there’s joy. We rejoice in God’s great love for us, right, so why wouldn’t we rejoice when we experience that same kind of love from one another? And that joy is not just in receiving it, but in giving it. One of God’s greatest blessings to us is the capacity to love, to love fervently, deeply, to love as Christ loved us. Yes, to be on the receiving end is pretty awesome, but Jesus did say, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

Where love is in the home, there’s truth. Marriage ceremonies often quote the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:6: “What God has joined together, let not man separate.” Jesus, of course, was speaking about husband and wife. But God has also joined together truth and love, and we best not try to separate them, because neither can be what it ought to be without the other (2 John 1:1-6). Love “does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:6). What a beautiful thing indeed when you can see in a home an uncompromising stand for the truth.

Where love is in the home, it’s a beautiful thing.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, September 20, 2023
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How To Be Happy

Ken Weliever

Today is “National I Want You To Be Happy Day.” At least the calendar of weird and obscure holidays says so.

I chuckled a bit when I read it. (Hmm, I guess it’s working). But I thought of Abraham Lincoln’s thought-provoking insight, “Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.”

We live in a world obsessed with happiness. There are thousands of books on Amazon advertising how to be happy. Among them are “The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People.” “The 18 Rules of Happiness.” “9 Habits of Maximum Happiness.” “How to be Happy, or at least less Sad.”

In their excellent book, “Happiness is a Choice,” Drs. Frank Minirth and Paul Meier, observed that many are looking for happiness and seeking inner peace in the wrong places. “They seek for happiness in materialism and do not find it. They seek for joy in sexual prowess but end up with fleeting pleasures and bitter long-term disappointments. They seek inner fulfillment by obtaining positions of power in corporations, in governments, or even in their own families (by exerting excessive control), but they remain unfulfilled.”

The Bible has a good bit of advice about happiness that is applicable to the 21st century. Consider these three starting points.

(1) Real happiness begins with God. “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord” (Ps 144:15). Since God made man, He knows what makes him tick. What he needs. How he can enjoy life to its fullest. A genuine relationship with the Lord is the right starting place.

(2) Wisdom produces happiness. In Proverbs 3:13-18, the wise man expressed it this way:

Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.

Read those words again. Let them sink in. Wisdom is better than silver or gold? Wisdom is more precious than rubies and riches? Wisdom produces pleasantness and peace? Wisdom brings happiness? Yes. Yes. And yes!

(3) Happiness comes when we trust and obey. “He who heeds the word wisely will find good,” observed Solomon, “And whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he” (Prov. 16:20).

There’s an old song by the 19th-century hymnist, John Sammis whose refrain repeats this truth.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

I believe that the Biblical definition of happiness leads to something even better–real joy. The joy of the Lord. The joy of faith. Joy in the Holy Spirit. And the joy of salvation. The Bible speaks of this kind of joy 158 times. The word “joy” is closely connected to “grace.” It is that which bestows or occasions pleasure or delight. Grace comes from God. And when you obey God you experience joy.

Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full” (Jn 15:11)

Paul penned, “the fruit of the Spirit is joy” (Gal. 5:22).

And it is this joy that can sustain us even in times of trial and support us during days of suffering (Jas 1:2; 1 Pet. 4:13).

Actually, happiness is a by-product and not the goal. When we are seeking God, growing in wisdom, obeying His Word and trusting His guidance, we will find inner joy, peace of mind, and contentment of spirit.

– Via The Preacher’s Word, March 3, 2022

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).

2) Believe in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

September 17, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Providence of God in the Life of Ezra (Bryan Gibson)
2) The Zeal of Jesus (Heath Rogers)
3) Sword Tips #161 (Joe R. Price)
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The Providence of God in the Life of Ezra

Bryan Gibson

For an Israelite who lived under the law of Moses, no finer words could be said of a man than were said of this man: “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach statutes and ordinances in Israel” (Ezra 7:10).

In the 7th year of King Artaxerxes (ca. 458 B.C.), Ezra led a group of Jews on a four month journey from Babylon to Jerusalem (Ezra 7:6-9). About 1700 men took this trip, along with their families (Ezra 8:1-20). That God helped them on this journey is indicated by the repeated use of the phrase, “the hand of the LORD,” and other slight variations (7:6, 9, 28; 8:18, 22, 31). Here are three specific ways God helped Ezra and his fellow-Israelites:

God helped provide them servants for the house of God (Ezra 8:15-20). Ezra noticed that among the group set to return there were no sons of Levi, and so he commanded certain men “that they should bring us servants for the house of our God” (Ezra 8:17). Servants were brought, and while human effort was certainly involved, Ezra attributes this provision to “the good hand of our God upon us” (Ezra 8:18).

God guided them on their journey to Jerusalem and protected them from harm. Traveling without an armed escort, they prayed to God for help and protection, and He answered their prayer (8:21-23). “And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the road” (8:31).

We don’t know all the means He used, but in some way God influenced King Artaxerxes to provide the Israelites all the assistance they needed for this journey—and then some (7:6, 11-26). Ezra petitioned the king, and “the king granted him all his request, according to the good hand of the Lord upon him” (7:6). Here are some highlights of the king’s decree, issued in response to Ezra’s request:

Any Israelite who wants to go with Ezra, you’re free to go (7:13).

For all you need to make sacrifices at the temple—here’s a “blank check” (7:14-22).

Whatever God commands to be done for His house, let it be done (7:23).

No tax will be imposed on those who work at the house of God (7:24).

Appoint magistrates and judges who know the law of God to rule over you, and for those who don’t know the law of God, make sure you teach them (7:25).

Punish severely those who do not observe the law of God or the law of the king (7:26).

And what was Ezra’s reaction to these amazing concessions from the king? “Blessed be the LORD God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the LORD which is in Jerusalem, and has extended mercy to me before the king and his counselors, and before all the king’s mighty princes.’ So I was encouraged, as the hand of the LORD my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me” (7:27-28).

When I read the Book of Ezra, especially chapters 7-10, I’m impressed with Ezra, but I’m even more impressed with God. I want the “good hand of our God” to be upon me, too; but for that to happen, I need to become more like Ezra—I need to prepare my heart to learn the will of God, obey the will of God, teach the will of God, and pray fervently to God.

Remember what they said to the king, when they were ashamed to ask for an escort: “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him” (8:22).

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, August 7, 2023
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The Zeal of Jesus

Heath Rogers

In just three and a half years, Jesus accomplished the greatest work ever done. He preached the gospel of the kingdom throughout Galilee. He did mighty works that proved He was the Son of God. He trained the 12 apostles. He offered the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus completed these amazing tasks because of His incredible work ethic, a work ethic driven by great zeal.

Jesus began at an early age. When He was 12 years old, His parents searched for and found Him in the temple listening to the teachers and asking them questions. When questioned about this, Jesus responded, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:49).

Jesus’ zeal is seen at the beginning of His earthly ministry (Mark 1:35-39). Knowing His days would be busy, He made it a habit to awaken early in the morning and find a secluded place to be alone with the Father in prayer. After preaching the gospel in one place, He made it His aim to go to other towns. “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43).

Statements Jesus made during His ministry reveal His zeal for the Father’s work.

“My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). Jesus was hungry and tired when He encountered the Samaritan woman at the well (vv. 6, 8, 31-33). Despite these circumstances, He took time to initiate a life-changing conversation with her and help her come to a point of faith. He stirred up her zeal (vv. 28-29). Jesus came to finish the work the Father gave Him. The opportunity to reach this soul presented itself, and it wouldn’t wait (v. 35). How many times have we allowed opportunities to slip by because they conflicted with our schedules?

“I always do those things that please Him” (John 8:29). As our Lord’s ministry grew, so did His conflicts with those who opposed Him. He knew enemies were plotting against Him and that such efforts would eventually end in His death. Despite what the Jewish leaders thought and/or said, Jesus never backed down. He made it His aim to always do the things that pleased His Father. “For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38). Are we always seeking to do the things that please God?

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work” (John 9:4). Jesus and His disciples were escaping some Jews who were seeking to stone Him when they encountered a man born blind (John 8:59-9:3). The disciples asked about the man’s condition, and Jesus took the time to heal him. The Lord had a sense of urgency regarding the completion of His work. It had to be done because of the rapid approach of a time when no work could be done. Do we serve the Lord with a sense of urgency, or do we believe there will be plenty of time later?

“It is finished!” (John 19:30). Jesus died at the age of 33. With His dying breath, He could honestly say He had fulfilled His purpose. He had completed His Father’s will for His life. He worked right up to the very end. “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). Most of us will probably leave this world knowing we could have done more to serve and glorify God. Will we be motivated by our Lord’s example and work until the end?

Conclusion: Jesus showed great zeal in His work. It was motivated by His love for the Father and commitment to finish His task. Jesus did not come to earth to be served as a King. He came on a rescue mission. “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). This work was urgent.

Jesus is our perfect example in all things. He shows us exactly how to please the Father. We need to develop Christ-like zeal for God’s work and honor.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, September 2023
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“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17)

SWORD TIPS #161

Joe R. Price

“A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.” (Proverbs 29:11)

It is not wise to “lead with your emotions.” Our feelings can blind us and lead us down paths we later wish we had never traveled. Restrain your emotions and do not be rash with your words. Solomon went on to observe that there is more hope for a fool than for the person who speaks before he thinks (Prov. 29:20). Self-control is much wiser than “venting” your emotions. Words spoken in frustration, anger or hate, for example, can never be retrieved. The damage is done. How much better to be wise and control yourself so you will not have to say, “I regret having said that!”
——————–

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. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

September 10, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Precious Kingdom, Precious King (Bryan Gibson)
2) The Christian’s Inheritance (Heath Rogers)
3) Sword Tips #27 (Joe R. Price)
4) John 8:31-32 (NASB)
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Precious Kingdom, Precious King

Bryan Gibson

The kingdom of heaven is so valuable, so precious, that we should be willing to pay any price to be a citizen of it (Matthew 13:44-46; 11:7-11).

What is it that makes this kingdom so valuable? And why is it such a great thing to be in this kingdom? Clearly, it’s not the subjects of the King that make it so precious; it’s the King Himself. This kingdom is great, primarily because it has a great King. And here’s why Jesus is such a great King.

This King is King of all kings, Ruler of all rulers,Lord of all lords. “All authority” belongs to Jesus (Matthew 28:18), which puts Him “far above all principality and power and might and dominion…” (Ephesians 1:20-21). This kingdom “cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28), “shall never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44), because its King has the power to squash any threat to His kingdom (Revelation 11:15; 17:14; 19:15-16). You won’t ever find a more secure place than the kingdom of Christ.

Despite the absolute authority He possesses, this King is still a servant of His people. He served us by dying for us (Matthew 20:25-28), and He continues to serve us—as our High Priest, by interceding for us before God (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:25); and as our Shepherd, by leading us, feeding us, and protecting us (Psalms 23; John 10:27; 1 Peter 2:25; 5:4; Revelation 7:17). No one cares for His subjects like Jesus does.

This King will never lead us astray, because He rules with righteousness and justice, mercy and truth (Psalms 89:14; Jeremiah 23:5; Hebrews 1:8). None of His policies or laws will ever fail us; we can do everything He says with full confidence that it’s right and beneficial to all.

This King shares His wealth with His subjects, unlike other kings, who often live in splendor while their subjects live in poverty. This King even became poor so that we could be rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). And just how rich did He make us? We have a vast storehouse of wisdom and knowledge (Colossians 2:2-3); we enjoy redemption and forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:8-9); we experience the kind of joy, peace, and contentment that cannot be found elsewhere (John 14:27; 16:20-22; Philippians 4:10-13); and we can look forward to living forever in the most wonderful place imaginable (John 14:2-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18; 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:4, 23, 27).

This King offers the same blessings and benefits to all, regardless of gender, nationality, social status, etc. (Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). Of those who submit to Him, no one gets the crumbs or the leftovers; and no one is treated as a second class citizen, because this King “is rich to all who call upon Him” (Romans 10:13).

From the King Himself: “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). And now (at least in part) we know why.

— Via Plain Words from God’s Word, August 12, 2023
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The Christian’s Inheritance

Heath Rogers

Peter wrote his first epistle to Christians who were suffering for their faith. Such suffering is one of Satan’s efforts to get us to give up on the Lord, deny our faith, and lose our souls. The purpose of this epistle is to encourage faithfulness in the face of suffering.

The letter begins with a reminder of one of the greatest blessings found in Christ – we have been born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead (1 Pet. 1:3). This living hope is important to us. It is our anchor (Heb. 6:19). It has the power to sustain us in our sufferings.

Peter continues, “to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (v. 4). The object of our living hope is the great inheritance that awaits us if we are faithful. Let’s consider the three descriptive phrases used by Peter.

1. Incorruptible. Translated from the Greek word aphthartos which means imperishable, not liable to corruption or decay. The treasures we can inherit and lay up for ourselves in this world are subject to decay and corruption – “where moth and rust destroy” (Matt. 6:19-20). Physical items I have inherited from my grandparents show the wear of age. The great monuments of the world, which were built to endure the ages, show the wear and tear of the passing of time.

Heaven is a spiritual existence. It does not consist of atoms that slow down and break down with the passing of time. It can’t wear out or be destroyed.

2. Undefiled. From the Greek word amiantos meaning unsoiled or free from contamination. It is taken from a word meaning to dye or stain with another color. We live in a world that places a premium on things that are free from contamination – preferring pure water, air, and food. Our heavenly inheritance contains no pollution or contamination. “It is free of all that would render it undesirable or soiled” (Hamilton 15).

John described the purity of the heavenly city with the following words. “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Rev. 21:27). Heaven doesn’t have a city dump. There isn’t anything there that needs to be taken out and burned or buried. It may be hard for us to imagine, but we can certainly see the appeal of an existence that is completely undefiled.

3. Does Not Fade Away. From the Greek word amarantos meaning unfading or perennial. Things of beauty can lose their attractiveness and appeal over time. A flower is beautiful when it first blooms, but the petals begin to wilt in a matter of days. The smooth skin of a newborn baby eventually becomes coarse and wrinkled with age. Colored photos lose their tint over time. The perfectly glossed finish of a new guitar will become nicked, worn, and dull with use. This is expected here on earth, but this will never happen to the things that make heaven beautiful.

It has been said that familiarity breeds contempt. I grew up in the Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas. It is very beautiful there, but I never thought much of it when I was growing up because I saw it every day. I remember hearing visitors say things like, “You are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place.” Like a typical teenager, I would say to myself, “Whatever.” This will not happen with our heavenly inheritance. Not only is heaven eternal – it is also eternally new. Heaven will never lose its original beauty, brightness, or shine. The awe, wonder, and amazement that we experience when we first enter heaven will never go away! We will never get bored with heaven or take it for granted.

“Imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (ESV). This is what is being reserved for us. Don’t lose faith. Heaven really will be worth it all.

— via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, August 2023
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“And take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17)

Sword Tips #27

Joe R. Price

“Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isaiah 5:20)

In this age of moral relativism we are bombarded with the same sort of foolishness and folly as Isaiah saw in his day.

There is evil in this world – and it must not be confused with what is good! It is a great deception to say there are no moral absolutes in our world.

Commit yourself to the truth (Jesus defined truth as God’s word, Jno. 17:17).

Sin is real, and it brings pain, sorrow and death. See it for what it is.

Furthermore, know the truth; it will make you free.

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John 8:31-32

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'”

— NASB

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

September 3, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Humility Test (Bryan Gibson)

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Humility Test

Bryan Gibson

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord” (James 4:10). “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God” (1 Peter 5:6). Humility is not optional, not if we want to please God and go to heaven. But exactly what is humility, and how does it manifest itself in our lives? How can we tell if we’re truly humble?

Understand, it’s not just making a few self-effacing remarks from time to time (“You know I’m not the smartest person in the world”; “I’m still working on myself, because I know I’ve got a long way to go”). Nothing wrong with these remarks, if said sincerely, but true humility is much more. It’s exhibited in real life situations—in one’s attitudes and actions—especially in situations that really test one’s humility.

So let’s do this—let’s take a humility test and see how we do. These questions may sound familiar if you’ve read Sewell Hall’s excellent book, “Hallmarks,” (page 267). I’ve taken some of his questions, expanded on them some, and added several more. We’ll need to do this over several articles, which is okay, because this subject deserves that much attention. Let’s make sure we give honest answers; it’s the only way to know if we have truly humbled ourselves in the sight of the Lord.

1. Do I ever question the righteousness of God’s actions (or inactions)? Job did, but he learned better: “I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know…therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes” (Job 42:3, 6). The Psalmist said, “My tongue shall speak of Your righteousness all day long” (Psalms 71:24)—it’s awful hard to do that and question Him at the same time.

2. Do I question the reasonableness of any commandment given by God? Maybe I don’t actually say it’s unreasonable, but if I neglect to keep it on the same basis, or reshape it to make it more “reasonable,” haven’t I “said” the same thing? For me to question the reasonableness of God’s commandments is to question both His righteousness (“the entirety of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous judgments endure forever”—Psalms 119:160) and His love (“the LORD commanded us to observe all these statutes…for our good always”—Deuteronomy 6:24).

3. Do I ever think in terms of what God owes me, or what I deserve from Him? “Who has preceded Me (“given to Me”—NAS) that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is mine” (Job 41:11). How humbling is that—to know that God doesn’t owe me anything, that to whatever degree I feel entitled or deserving, I couldn’t be more wrong. It’s humbling, but it’s also liberating, because I’m no longer burdened with thoughts of what God should do. Free from those thoughts, I can now express humble gratitude for every single day God gives me, and for every single blessing He bestows on me, including my soul’s salvation.

4. Do I take for granted what others do for me, or give me, or do I always express thanks? The extent to which they help me, the size of the gift, etc.—none of that matters. Am I thankful for each and every gesture of kindness, no matter how large or small? Paul sure was, for the many ways in which many people served him and the gospel—people like Phoebe (Romans 16:1-2), Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16-18), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25-30), Aquila and Priscilla (Romans 16:3-4), Timothy and Titus (2 Corinthians 7:6-7; Philippians 2:19-20), just to name a few. Make no mistake about it; humility and a deep sense of appreciation go hand in hand.

5. In my marriage, which concerns me most—what my spouse does for me, or what I do for my spouse? Do I esteem my spouse better than myself—have I become her servant? (Philippians 2:3). Have I become too busy looking out for my own interests that I’ve neglected my spouse’s? (Philippians 2:4). I know what Christ gave up to look out for my interests (Philippians 2:5-8)—what do I give up for my spouse? And what about my brethren in Christ—am I waiting for them to do for me, or I am too busy doing for them?

6. Do I ever look with contempt or disdain on others due to their race, their less than stellar background, their lack of intelligence, poverty, ignorance, etc.? Are there people I consider “beneath me”? Job was held in high esteem, at least before he suffered so greatly, but look at the manner in which he spoke of his servants: “Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?” (Job 31:15). “Showing all humility to all men”—that’s what the Lord teaches us to do, for this important reason: “for we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another” (Titus 3:2-3).

7. Do I ever try to impress others with my superiority over them? Do I boast of my good works, my wealth, my education, or any other accomplishment? Or, do I perhaps try to do the same through my children? Could there possibly be some smugness in my speech and behavior toward others? Bottom line, is my speech and behavior consistent with the One who described Himself as “meek and lowly” (Matthew 11:29)?

8. Do I consider any act of service beneath my dignity? Do I consider myself too important to do “less important” things? Would I wash feet, or anything comparable to that? “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). A cup of cold water—doesn’t sound like much, but hear Jesus: “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). To keep a local church functioning properly, a number of “mundane” things have to be done. Can the Lord, and my brethren, count on me?

9. Am I as eager to serve when I’m NOT seen as when I AM seen? “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:3-4). Which do I desire more, the honor of men, or the honor of God? (John 5:44). Quiet, humble service—the kind that receives little or no recognition from other people—am I okay with that? And another closely related question—am I as eager to serve those who can’t pay me back as those who can? “When you give a dinner…do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just” (Luke 14:12-14).

10. Do I rejoice in the honors and accomplishments of others, or do I envy? “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). The second part typically comes much easier to us, but the first part, the rejoicing part—well, that can sometimes be a different story. When others have reason to rejoice, do I feel the need to “one up” them? Or, do I ever feel the need to “block” their moment in the sun, to do or say something that might diminish their good news? If any of this sounds even vaguely familiar to me, then I’ve got serious work to do.

11. Am I sensitive and easily offended, especially when it comes to advice or correction in spiritual matters? Am I that person everyone talks about, the one around whom everyone must “walk on egg shells”? If that’s me, eventually most people will give up on me—they’ll no longer give me the advice or the correction I so desperately need. Here’s the humble approach: “Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be as excellent oil; let my head not refuse it” (Psalms 141:5). What we call thin-skinned is really self-centered.

12. Do I enjoy holding a grudge, or do I have the same spirit as my Savior? “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34). What if they DO know what they do—is it okay then? It’s awful hard to be “ready to forgive” (Psalms 86:5) and hold a grudge at the same time. If I continue to be upset over something said or done to me, it must mean I haven’t died—“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Galatians 2:20). Indeed, Christ did live in Paul, because his spirit toward those who wronged him was the very same as his Savior’s: “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them” (2 Timothy 4:16).

13. Do I have any trouble saying, “I’m sorry”? It may be that I forgive easily, because at least in that situation, I’ve got the “upper hand.” But, when I’m the one in the wrong, the right words, the right attitude, may not come as easily. “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” (Matthew 5:23-24). “I’m sorry” is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength, the kind of strength which comes from true humility.

14. Do I listen to those older and wiser than me—those who are more experienced and mature in the faith? “Wisdom is with aged men, and with length of days, understanding” (Job 12:12). Yes, there are exceptions to this “rule,” but generally speaking, the older folks have a lot to offer—if we’ll just listen. King Rehoboam sure wishes he had (1 Kings 12:6-11).

“You will save the humble people; but Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down” (2 Samuel 22:28).

— via Plain Words from God’s Word, August 31, 2023

(This article was originally in three parts at Bryan’s Facebook site, but have all been combined for this bulletin.)
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service. Congregational Song Service: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Apostle to the Gentiles

“He Who DOES…”

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Those Who Follow Their Own Spirit

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Does God Violate His Own Laws?

Basic Elements of Law

God’s Relationship to His Own Laws

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Is God to Blame for Human Wickedness

What Does the Bible Teach?

1. What Is Evil?

2. What Is the Source of Evil?

3. Why Doesn’t God Remove Evil?

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“Let there be light”

The Shame of Acting Without Knowledge

How A Christian Is Like A Watch

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

THE CHURCH:Recognizing the Bible Pattern

Introduction

God Is a God of Patterns

A God of Patterns in the Old Testament

A God of Patterns in the New Testament

Conclusion

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Where Love Is in the Home

How To Be Happy

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Providence of God in the Life of Ezra

The Zeal of Jesus

SWORD TIPS #161

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Precious Kingdom, Precious King

The Christian’s Inheritance

Sword Tips #27

John 8:31-32

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Humility Test

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Archives by Month

THE CHURCH:
Recognizing the Bible Pattern