Category: Uncategorized (Page 1 of 56)

The Gospel Observer

March 15, 2026 / 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) Teach Me Your Way (Psalm 86:11) (Mike Johnson)
2) What Must I Do…After I Become A Christian? (Bryan Gibson)

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Teach Me Your Way
(Psalm 86:11)

Mike Johnson

Psalm 86 is a psalm of David, and verse 11 is a part of a prayer he prayed during a time of extreme distress. People are trying to kill him (14), and he turns to God for help. He implored, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; unite my heart to fear Your name.”

It is interesting, although experiencing turmoil, that the Psalmist wanted to learn. The desire to learn is essential in gaining knowledge in anything, and this concept is especially true with the Scriptures. Consider Ezra’s heart described in the Old Testament (Ezra 7:10). “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.” Other passages in the Bible teach this idea. For example, 1 Peter 2:2 says, “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” (Some translations render the Greek word “crave” or “long for.”) In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (Mt. 5:6). Thus, wanting to learn God’s will is essential.

Consider the following illustration. A young man was trying to learn the language of another country and was having trouble — it was a slow process. Finally, however, he met a woman from that country and learned the language in practically no time. What was missing earlier? It was the motivation! Similarly, we must be motivated to understand God’s Word to succeed.

To successfully learn God’s Word, it is also vital that we have a love for it. Consider the attitude of the Psalmist in Psalm 119:97 as he says, “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day.” The first part of the verse relates to the second part — those who love the law of God are more likely to meditate on it “all the day.” Sadly, some may not care for Bible study because God’s Word condemns them for sins they are not ready to stop practicing.

Further, the text (11a) says, “teach me YOUR way.” We must be willing to submit to God’s will, not follow our own. From the earlier verses, it is clear that David knew who God was and wanted to humbly submit to His will, not someone else’s.

After expressing a desire to learn the Lord’s way, he says (11b), “I will walk in your truth.” The writer wanted to understand God’s way, not just for intellectual curiosity or to be able to have a conversation about it, but he wanted to “walk,” or live, by God’s Law. In the earlier verses, we learn what God has done, but we must do our part to know and obey His will.

Yet what is truth? Pilate asked this question at the crucifixion of Jesus (Jn. 18:38). Philosophers have also asked it throughout the history of mankind. The Scriptures teach that God’s Word is truth. In John 17:17, Jesus prayed to God for His apostles just before His arrest, “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (Note also Eph. 3:3-4; 1 Thess. 2:13; Gal. 1:12; 2 Tim. 3:16-17.)

We also see in Proverbs 23:23 that truth is vital as it says, “Buy the truth, and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding.” The writer compares truth to a commodity. First, we should do anything it takes to “buy” it; then, we should not give it up for any price. Only truth (“Your way”-11a) can make us free (Jn. 8:32).

Then he says (11c), “Unite my heart to fear Your name.” Many people have divided loyalties, as their hearts may not be entirely into an endeavor. This type of heart is also found as people try and serve God. Since God alone is God (10c), the Psalmist did not want a divided heart where he might partially serve God but also serve idols or other gods. If he did this, he could never walk in God’s truth (11b).

Are we motivated to learn God’s truths? Do we, like the Psalmist, strongly desire to know God’s ways so we can walk in his truth with an undivided heart?

— Via Seeking Things Above

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.” — Colossians 3:1

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What Must I Do…
After I Become a Christian?

Bryan Gibson

Do what the very first Christians did—join together with other Christians in
a local church and continue “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42; 11:26; 20:7). Because you will be involved in what this church does, make certain that everything this church does is according to Christ.

Do not forsake or neglect the assemblies of the church. God designed these to help you grow, and so if you miss, you’ll just get weaker and weaker (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Now that you have “turned to the Lord” (Acts 11:21), you must “with purpose of heart…continue with the Lord” (Acts 11:23).

Do not live for yourself any longer; live for Jesus, who loved you and gave Himself for you (2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Galatians 2:20).

Put Christ and His word first—before yourself, before your friends, before husband or wife, before father or mother, before son or daughter, before anyone or anything (Matthew 10:34-39; 6:33).

Be willing to surrender all to Jesus—your talents, your money, your time, and yes, even your own life. Give Jesus all you’ve got, because that’s exactly what He has done for you (Romans 8:31-32).

Do not let peer pressure keep you from standing up for Jesus (John 9:20-22; 12:42-43; Mark 8:38; 1 Corinthians 16:13). “Tho’ none go with me, I still will follow” (I Have Decided To Follow Jesus, v. 2).

Do not keep living the way you once did (Ephesians 4:17); “walk in newness of life”.(Romans 6:4).

Regard yourself as “dead to sin, but alive to God” (Romans 6:11)—and then live that way.

Be a “slave of righteousness” (Romans 6:18); do whatever it demands of you.

Change your priorities. Seek the things above (Colossians 3:1), things like kindness, humility, meekness, forgiveness, love, peace, etc. (Colossians 3:12-17). You should no longer have any interest in being like the world. Conforming to the image of Christ is now your main focus (Colossians 3:9-10).

Do not “look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18). Keep your focus on that “which endures to everlasting life” (John 6:27).

“Regard no one according to the flesh” (2 Corinthians 5:16), or according to the standards of the world. Everything about you now is “new” (2 Corinthians 5:17), including a new way of looking at people. Don’t focus on their nationality, race, color, level of intelligence, financial standing, their sordid past, etc.— focus on their soul, focus on the fact that Jesus loves them and died for them (Hebrews 2:9). See the value in every soul.

Love others the way Jesus loves you (John 13:34-35). Look out for their interests as well as your own (Philippians 2:3-4). Be willing to sacrifice for them, just as Jesus did for you (1 John 3:16-18).

Spend considerable time in the word of God, so you can grow spiritually (1 Peter 2:1-3). The word of God provides food for the soul; you simply cannot live without it (1 Timothy 4:6; Matthew 4:4).

Spend much time in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), which will enable you to “obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Do not try to make it on your own; you will need His help, and you will need it every single day.

Show God how grateful you are for what He has done for you—do as much for Him as you possibly can (1 Corinthians 15:10, 58). You can start by teaching (or getting someone to teach) your family, friends, and neighbors the gospel of Christ (Mark 5:19; Luke 8:39; Acts 8:4).

— via the Weekly Bulletin from the Prattmont church of Christ, May 4, 2025

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes (except for last of the month Song Service)
and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

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

The Gospel Observer

March 8, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Five Steps to Peace (Psalm 37:3-8) (Mike Johnson)

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Five Steps to Peace
(Psalm 37:3-8)

Mike Johnson

“Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb” (Ps. 37:1-2).

When we think of the word “fret,” we may think of someone excessively worrying or frequently anxious. However, the Hebrew word used here (charah) means “to be hot, to be furious, to burn, to become angry, to be kindled” (The Online Bible Thayer’s Greek Lexicon & Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon). Most translators translate the Hebrew word in the text as “fret.” Elsewhere, however, it is rendered with such words as “wrath,” “anger,” “hot,” or “kindled.” In addition, various modern translations may translate it by words “annoyed” or “upset.” Thus, the idea is not to be angry or “worked up” regarding evildoers or envy them (1b). Why would someone be tempted to react this way? It is because of the prosperity and, seemingly, good life. Jeremiah asked, in Jeremiah 12:1, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are those happy who deal so treacherously?”

There are times when God’s people face many difficulties in life. Like others, Christians can face money problems, mistreatment, illnesses, the death of loved ones, and relationship issues. Yet people who make no pretense of serving God seem not to be experiencing such matters, as everything appears to be going well for them. Looking at the prosperity of evil people, God’s followers might tend to get discouraged. This discouragement especially appears when EVERYTHING seems to be going wrong, and they hit “rock bottom.” However, it is ridiculous to be envious of evildoers.

Verse 2 points out that these evildoers will soon be “cut down like the green grass,” and they will “wither” as the “green herb.” Their prosperity only lasts for this short life. Righteous people, however, have much more going for them. In Proverbs 24:19-20, Solomon says, “Do not fret because of evildoers, nor be envious of the wicked; for there will be no prospect for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out.”

Sometimes, a Christian might contemplate how nice it would be to swap places with another person. Although that person may be living a life of ease, perhaps wealthy or famous, switching places with an evil person would not be wise as their days of pleasure are short. It might be said that this world is as close to heaven as they will ever be. With the righteous, however, their days may be full of toil and strife, but they have a glorious future beyond this life, and their earthly existence is as close to Hell as they will ever be.

After showing the importance of not having anxiety, anger, and envy because of the prosperity of evil people, David points out what might be called “Five Steps to Peace” in verses 3-8. These are “medicines” against fretting and anxiety. They are the path to peace.

1. Trust in the Lord and Do Good — Verse 3 says, “Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” Thus, instead of fretting over the prosperity of evil people, the first step for God’s people is to trust in the Lord and to keep busy doing good. The Hebrew word translated “trust” can be defined as “A verb indicating to trust, to be confident. It expresses the feeling of safety and security felt when one relies on someone or something else. It is used to show trust in God…in other people…or in things…In addition, this expression can also relate to the state of being confident, secure, without fear” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament). The same idea is in Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Note also Ps. 9:10; 4:5.)

In the text (3b), he also says to “do good.” Doing good is often associated with trusting in God. Recall another occasion when Nehemiah and the people were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, and Tobiah, an antagonist, started ridiculing them (Neh. 4:3-6). How did they respond? They prayed, and they kept working. We should always do this today, especially when facing life’s challenges. We must trust God and stay busy!

In the later part of verse 3, a blessing is attached. If we trust in God and “do good,” we can “dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.” For the children of Israel, the land would refer to the Promised Land, the land of Canaan (Is. 1:19). If they would trust God and “do good,” God would “feed them” with physical blessings such as food and clothing. How do we “feed” on God’s faithfulness? We feed upon God’s faithfulness by having full assurance that He is willing and able to keep His promises.

2. Delight in the Lord — Verse 4 says, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” Found here is the next step for peace, which is to delight in the Lord. The word found in the original (anag) carries with it the idea of something delicate or soft that someone would take pleasure in (The Complete Word Study Dictionary). Here it involves the concept of having joy and delight in God. The verse says, “Delight yourself,” so there is a choice involved and the idea of effort and commitment.

What does it mean today to take delight in something or someone? It involves being excited (thrilled, energized) when people do what they want to do or with someone they love. What do you take great delight in today? Many take great pleasure in sports. They cannot wait for the season to start, and they eagerly anticipate the start of the big game. When the game is over, they talk about it with others. Indeed, they delight in sports. Others may delight in television, wealth, shopping, eating, or their computer. It is good to have various hobbies and endeavors we enjoy. Primarily, however, as the text says, we should delight in the Lord! For us, God produces delight, pleasure, and happiness. Therefore, if we delight in the Lord, the result should be a joyful interest in things of a spiritual nature.

Returning to verse 4b, we see a blessing attached to delighting in the Lord. It says if we trust in the Lord, He will give us the “desires of our heart.” Some interpret this to mean if we trust in the Lord, He will provide us with anything we want, such as luxuries, wealth, and power. However, this is not talking about superficial earthly desires to have more. 1 Timothy 6:6 says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain.” 1 John 2:15-17 points out we are not to love the world or the things in the world. The passage in our text is consistent with the New Testament teaching on prayer. In the New Testament, there are assurances regarding prayer (Mt. 7:7-11), but we also learn there are conditions of acceptable prayer (I Pet. 3:12, James 5:16-18). It is not saying if we delight in the Lord, He will give us any luxury we request of God. Instead, as in the New Testament, God knows our needs; we pray to Him, and His response will be in keeping with what is best for us.

We tend to get discouraged. We see moral decay with little interest in spirituality. Perhaps the stock market is down, the economy is terrible, and we see war and violence worldwide. This bleakness can result in despair, but we should always delight in the Lord regardless of what is happening around us. Corrie Ten Boom put it like this:

Look around, you’ll be distressed.

Look within, you’ll be depressed,

Look to the Lord, you’ll be at rest.

Thus, do not get angry and envious because of evil people’s prosperity; instead, rejoice in the Lord.

3. Commit Our Way to the Lord and Trust Him — Verses 5-6 says, “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. (6) He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, And your justice as the noonday.”

The third step to peace is to commit our way to the Lord and trust God. As noted, we really cannot delight in the Lord if we are unwilling to obey Him. Another way to say this is in verse 5. We must “commit our way” (our course of life) to Him, and we must “trust” Him.

Consider the meaning of the Hebrew word translated as “commit.” The root meaning involves the idea of “roll” and refers to the “rolling of a stone.” Consider the following definition: “It can also describe abstract concepts, such as reproach being rolled off (removed) from someone (Ps 119:22) or one’s ways and works rolled onto (committed, entrusted) to someone (especially God)…” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary: Old Testament). Thus, it might be said we are to roll off the burdens of life onto the Lord. Consider I Peter 5:6-7: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” We must commit our lives to the Lord and trust Him to care for us. As we handle the burdens of life, we give God the credit. Verse 6 shows a blessing that will follow. It points out that God will vindicate those who commit their way to Him and make them shine like a bright sun.

4. Rest in the Lord and Wait — Verse 7 says, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”

The fourth step to obtaining peace is to rest in the Lord and patiently wait. The word translated “rest” means “to be silent, to be still, to stand still” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary). The prosperity of the wicked might produce a dilemma for followers of God. The evildoer may prosper while engaging in wicked schemes. God’s people are not to fret, get angry, or envy. Instead, they are to remain silent and patiently wait for God. (See also Ps. 46:10, Ex. 14:13-14, Rom. 8:38-39.)

5. Cease to be Angry — Verse 8 says, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret — it only causes harm.” This step is the last one for peace. In the context, this is saying to stop being angry about the prosperity and seemingly good life of evildoers. Unresolved anger can fester and lead to bitterness and hurtful actions. Therefore, do not be fretful regarding evildoers or be angry with God. Ultimately, for the righteous, everything will work out. Someone put it like this: “We may not be able to control what happens in our lives, but we can control how we respond to what happens.”

Putting away the anger and anxiety that may come when we face difficulties is essential. We can do this by following these “medicines” for peace.

— Via Seeking Things Above, Volume 4, Number 5, August 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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The Gospel Observer

March 1, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Deceitfulness of Sin (Bryan Gibson)
2) At the Crossroads (Doy Moyer)
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The Deceitfulness of Sin

Bryan Gibson

Sin is deceitful, so says Hebrews 3:13. Let’s examine some of the different ways in which sin can deceive us.

Sin can seem so right, even though it’s always wrong.

King Saul perhaps thought it was right to spare King Agag and the best of the flocks (1 Samuel 15), but it was very wrong. Paul thought he was right when he persecuted Christians (Acts 23:1; 26:9), but he was dead wrong. “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).

Sin promises freedom, but what it really brings is slavery.

If you don’t believe it, ask the man who keeps carrying on an affair, even though it’s destroying him, his family, and his partner’s family. He has become a slave to his passions. Or, ask the man who has sacrificed everything else in order to get rich. Looking for financial freedom, what he got instead were more worries than he ever dreamed of. “His own iniquities entrap the wicked man, and he is caught in the cords of his sin” (Proverbs 5:22).

Sin can seem very attractive, but it is actually very ugly.

With sin, what you see is NOT what you get. The fruit of the tree looked very attractive to Eve (Genesis 3:6), but she didn’t stop to think of the ugly consequences (Genesis 2:17). A festering, oozing sore was how God described Judah’s sins (Isaiah 1:5-6). When the apostle Peter wrote about saints who returned to sin, he described it as a dog returning to its vomit and a sow to her wallowing in the mud (2 Peter 2:18-22). The advertising industry paints one picture of sin; God paints an entirely different one.

Sin appears to be satisfying and fulfilling, but it ends up being very disappointing.

Without a doubt, sin brings a certain kind of pleasure. But here’s the catch—it doesn’t last very long. It was said of Moses that he chose “rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). “And the world is passing away, and the lust of it, but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

Sin can seem insignificant, when actually it is very serious.

Adam and Eve—all they did was eat a little fruit (Genesis 3). Lot’s wife—she turned around and looked at a burning city, what’s so bad about that? Uzzah—well, he was just trying to keep the ark from falling (2 Samuel 6:1-11). We try to classify our own sins as minor, but that’s not the way God looks at them. Let’s be sure we don’t trivialize ANY sin.

Sin appears to bring life, but what it really brings is death.

What the devil says: “If you really want to live, you should have an affair, get drunk, go to the casino, etc.” What he really means: “If you want to die, you should…” Romans 6:23 is hard to misunderstand: “The wages of sin is death.”

— via the Weekly Bulletin of the Prattmont church of Christ, November 17, 2024

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At the Crossroads

Doy Moyer

Scripture warns against those who “walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.” Paul writes, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things” (Phil 3:18-19). Elsewhere Paul writes that those who cause divisions “do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive” (Rom 16:18). There can be specific applications of this (e.g., Judaizers, perhaps those greedy for food, or immorality), but the concept is still that there were those who were allowing their own desires to take precedence over the will of God. The only thing that mattered to them was their desires, so they gloried in their shame. Sadly, there can be those who give the appearance of wisdom in what they say and do, but they are promoting a “self-made religion” that has “no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh” because, in reality, they are “not holding fast to the Head,” Jesus Christ (Col 2:16-23). They are enemies of the cross.

Contrasting this selfish spirit of fulfilling their desires and having minds set on earthly things, Paul speaks of dying to the elementary principles of the world and recognizing heavenly citizenship (Col 2:20; Phil 3:19-20). The enemies of the cross set their minds on this world to serve self. Citizens of heaven set their minds on things above because “you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Then, “When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” Therefore, “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” (Col 3:1-5). Do you see where this is going?

The fight that we will always have is a spiritual battle with self, urged on by the devil. We may sometimes mask our selfish desires with a self-made religion that sounds good, but our self-affirmations and selfish ambitions betray us. We demand rights and fight for entitlements. We worship God as is convenient for us. Our personal happiness is paramount, and we use our freedoms to fight for our desires. Are we portraying the picture of those whose god is their belly and setting their minds on earthly things? Or are we showing what it means to die to self and live for Christ?

This concept of dying to self should not surprise us because it runs throughout Scripture. I have often remarked that the most difficult command in Scripture, at least for me, is found in this: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Self-denial is a prime trait of a child of God, though it comes with a heavy price: self must die! This is not easy.

Think of the ways this theme is stated: “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col 3:3). “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Rom 6:2). “He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor 5:15). “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20). “And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Gal 5:24). “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Gal 6:14). “We know that our old self was crucified with Him…” (Rom 6:6). Many more passages can be cited.

Self-denial is not a passing concept in Scripture. It is at the crossroads of our service to the Lord, the decision point where we demonstrate how serious we are about our faith. To make self more important than the Lord is to become an enemy of the cross. To set our minds on earthly things is to run contrary to our heavenly citizenship. “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom 8:5-8).

This will always be the critical fight. Will we deny self to take up the cross and follow Jesus? How we answer this will define the rest of our lives.

— Via Bulletin Articles from the Vestavia church of Christ, March 30, 2025

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 22, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Trusting Self or God (Doy Moyer)
2) Examine Yourselves (Jesse A. Flowers)

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Trusting Self or God

Doy Moyer

Jesus told a parable “to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt” (Luke 18:9). What a statement! Jesus targeted head-on an attitude that was common enough that He wanted this parable to be known by future generations.

“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted” (vv. 10-14).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Examine Yourselves

Jesse A. Flowers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church or Christ, December 2025

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

February 15, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) “God of All Comfort” (Bryan Gibson)
2) Some Bumper Stickers I Like (Bill Crews)
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“God of All Comfort”

Bryan Gibson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Some Bumper Stickers I Like

Bill Crews

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

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

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Gospel Observer

February 8, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

Jarrod M. Jacobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Martyr’s Example Abides.

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

A Martyr Has Vision.

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

Endnotes:

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

— Via The Ancient Landmark, August 26, 2024

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

Sword Tips #139

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

Joe R. Price

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

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

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes (except for last of the month for a Song Service)
and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

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

The Gospel Observer

February 1, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) For What Shall We Pray? (Doy Moyer)
2) Forgiveness and Forgetting (Frank Jamerson)

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For What Shall We Pray?

Doy Moyer

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

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

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

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

Some specific areas for which we can be praying include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Forgiveness And Forgetting

Frank Jamerson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

——————–

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

Sunday: 9 a.m. Bible Classes and 10 a.m. Worship Service
Wednesday: 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

January 25, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

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

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The Sufferings of Jesus
(From Gethsemane to Calvary)

Bryan Gibson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Is it Narrow Minded?

Jere Frost

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

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

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

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

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

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

——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

——————–

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

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

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

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

The Gospel Observer

January 18, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Best Gift You Can Give to God (Jon W. Quinn)
2) We Need More Men like Joseph (Bryan Gibson)

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The Best Gift You Can Give to God

Jon W. Quinn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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We Need More Men like Joseph

Bryan Gibson

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

He handled responsibility very well.

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

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

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

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

He handled temptation very well.

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

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

He handled adversity very well.

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

— Via Articles from the Prattmont church of Christ, October 19, 2015
_________________

1 Peter 2:20

“For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God” (NASB).

——————–

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).
——————–

The Gospel Observer

January 11, 2026 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) What God Wants From Us (Jerid Gunter)

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-1-

What God Wants From Us

Jerid Gunter

To Do Justice

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

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

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

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

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

To Love Kindness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walk Humbly With Him

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Teach Me Your Way(Psalm 86:11)

What Must I Do…After I Become a Christian?

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Five Steps to Peace(Psalm 37:3-8)

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Deceitfulness of Sin

At the Crossroads

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Trusting Self or God

Examine Yourselves

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“God of All Comfort”

Some Bumper Stickers I Like

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“Martyr For Christ”

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

A Martyr’s Example Abides.

A Martyr Has Vision.

Conclusion

Sword Tips #139

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

For What Shall We Pray?

Forgiveness And Forgetting

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Sufferings of Jesus(From Gethsemane to Calvary)

Is it Narrow Minded?

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Best Gift You Can Give to God

We Need More Men like Joseph

He handled responsibility very well.

He handled temptation very well.

He handled adversity very well.

1 Peter 2:20

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

What God Wants From Us

To Do Justice

To Love Kindness

Walk Humbly With Him

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Archives by Month

Teach Me Your Way
(Psalm 86:11)

What Must I Do…
After I Become a Christian?

Five Steps to Peace
(Psalm 37:3-8)

The Sufferings of Jesus
(From Gethsemane to Calvary)