Category: Uncategorized (Page 10 of 49)

The Gospel Observer

January 22, 2023 / Tom Edwards

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

1) “Does God Work Providentially Today?” (Mark Mayberry)
2) Strengthened with Adversity (Wilson Adams)

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“Does God Work Providentially Today?”

Mark Mayberry

Answering the question, “Does God work providentially today?” requires a proper understanding of the term and a clear understanding of Scripture.

How does one define “providence”? Dictionary.com says “providence” refers to “(1) the foreseeing care and guidance of God or nature over the creatures of the earth; (2) God, especially when conceived as omnisciently directing the universe and the affairs of humankind with wise benevolence; (3) a manifestation of divine care or direction; (4) provident or prudent management of resources; prudence; (5) foresight; provident care.”

The Greek word pronoia, occurring twice in the New Testament, refers to foresight or forethought, i.e., “thoughtful planning to meet a need” [BDAG]. When Paul was tried before Felix, the prosecuting attorney, Tertullus, began his speech by praising the governor: “Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness” (Acts 24:2-3). Note its usage in Romans 13:13-14, which reads, “Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts.” Stated positively, Felix was praised/flattered for his beneficent oversight of the Jewish people; stated negatively, we must not deliberately purpose to fulfill the lust of the flesh. Men can act with forethought, either for good or ill. In contrast, God’s providential forethought is always for good, in furtherance of truth and right.

Does God work providentially today? Let us answer this question by asking several other related questions:

Does God answer prayer today? Teaching the disciples to pray, Jesus emphasized things important to God (praise, purpose, proper response) and significant needs of men (provision, pardon, and prevailing over temptation) (Matt. 6; Luke 11:1-3). Other objects of prayer are enjoined in Scripture: We should pray for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity (1 Tim. 2:2). We should pray for those who are sick, that they might be restored (James 5:14). We should pray for the spiritual growth and maturity of fellow-Christians (Col. 1:9-10).

Does God still rule in the kingdoms of men? Indeed. The Book of Daniel repeatedly affirms that God reigns in the kingdoms of men, giving power to whomever He chooses, raising up and casting down (Dan. 2:21; 4:17, 26, 32; 5:18- 21). Presenting his sermon on Mars Hill, the inspired apostle said, “He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:26-27). By urging disciples to pray for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead tranquil lives in all godliness and dignity, Paul affirms the continuing validity of this principle (1 Tim. 2:1-2). Has this reality changed? Has God’s power and authority diminished? Of course not.

Does God still have a purpose for mankind? Certainly. Ephesians 3:10 speaks of the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are called according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 1:9). Will He preserve the church of Christ? When Peter made the good confession, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” Jesus answered “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matt. 16:18). Believers have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken (Heb. 12:28).

Does God still provide for His people? Yes. The Psalmist said, “I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his descendants begging bread” (Psa. 37:25). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus affirms that God will provide food, clothing, and shelter to those who faithfully serve Him (Matt. 6:24-33). Do faithful disciples today enjoy this same assurance? Of course!

Does God still protect His own? Absolutely. No malicious foe can snatch us from the Father’s hand (John 10:27-30); no malignant power can separate us from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:33-39). No temptation has overtaken us but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that we will be able to endure it (1 Cor. 10:13). Again, the apostle said, “The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thess. 3:3).

Does God still remember His promises? Without doubt. Providence is clearly implied in the many “I will…” passages of promise. Consider God’s threefold promise to Abraham of land, nation, and Seed (Gen. 12:1-3, 7). Note His assurance of deliverance from Egyptian captivity (Gen. 15:12- 16). Reflect upon His oaths relating to the restoration of Israel (Isa. 44:26; Jer. 7:19; 16:14-15; 30:1-3; Amos 9:11). Consider His commitment regarding the Messiah/Christ (Deut. 18:18; 2 Sam. 7:12; Jer. 23:5).

Conclusion

God still answers prayer today. He still rules in the kingdoms of men. He still has a purpose for mankind. He still provides for and protects His own. He still remembers His promises. Therefore, we assuredly believe that God works providentially today.

Yet, we must recognize the relationship between divine providence and personal responsibility. God provided a ram to sacrifice in the place of Isaac after Abraham demonstrated willing obedience (Gen. 22:1-14). God provided for the physical needs of Israel when they walked in His statues and kept His judgments (Lev. 26:3-10). God delivered Esther and the Jews as she courageously brought the report of Haman’s plot before King Ahasuerus (Esth. 4:1-16). God will provide us with the physical necessities of life, but we must seek first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matt. 6:24-33). He has blessed us with the spiritual necessities of life, but we must diligently study and apply His word (2 Pet. 1:2-3). He will deliver us from temptation, but we must diligently look for that way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13).

— Via Truth Magazine, Volume 58, Number 3, March 2014

https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume58/2014_03_Mar_Truth_Magazine.pdf

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Esther 4:13-14

“…Do not imagine that you in the king’s palace can escape any more than all the Jews. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?” — NASB

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Strengthened with Adversity

Wilson Adams

What went wrong with the bio-dome? (that rhymes — almost).

It was the quintessential social experiment of the 80s — near Tucson. Scientists used indoor technology to create the perfect space should humans be unable to make Planet Earth great again. The bio experiment didn’t go that well.

One issue… trees. Outfitted to reflect earth’s diversity (simulating desert to rainforest), the trees inside the biosphere grew quickly. But they kept falling over before they reached maturity. From soil to sun, they had all they needed. However, one condition that could not be recreated in this man-environment? Storms.

Without storms, the trees were unable to develop strong roots. The wood became soft and, although they were fast growing, the lack of wind resistance became their downfall (literally).

Trees grow from sapling to strong because they endure seasons of storms. Hmm. Like us?

A life without storms may give us what we think we need, but it’s really the opposite. Instead of sheltering ourselves, storms test our resolve. The harder the winds, the greater the roots. Thus, resistance is a huge part of our resilience. In other words, storms make us strong. All of which says…

There’s grace in the gale — grace we may not see at the moment. The storms of suffering move us into new stories of life — strong. What seems like chaos may actually be His creation — slow growing our roots while strengthening our resolve… to be more like Him.

— from an untitled post at Wilson Adam’s Facebook site, January 2023

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James 1:2-4

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
NASB

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

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

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

The Gospel Observer

January 15, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) A Tale of Two Prophets (Andrew Dow)
2) God Does Not Forget His Own (Greg Gwin)
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A Tale of Two Prophets

Andrew Dow

It was the worst of times! Rehoboam became king over Israel following the glorious reign of his father, Solomon. After King Rehoboam refused the advice of his wise counselors, “none but the tribe of Judah followed the house of David” (1 Kings 12:20, NASB). While Rehoboam unsuccessfully attempted to force the northern tribes into submission (1 Kings 12:21-24), Jeroboam became king over those northern tribes and constructed idols for his people to worship (1 Kings 12:25-33). This sharp division plagued the Kingdom that once thrived under the rule of David and Solomon. Thus a downward spiral began that would ultimately end in captivity.

As we turn to the thirteenth chapter of First Kings, we find “a man of God” traveling from Judah (the Southern Kingdom) to Bethel (the Northern Kingdom) in order to confront Jeroboam concerning his newly constructed idols (1 Kings 13:1-3). During this encounter, God displayed His power by withering and restoring Jeroboam’s hand (1 Kings 13:4-6). The King was so impressed by this display that he asked the man of God to come into his home (1 Kings 13:7). The Prophet responded, “If you were to give me half your house I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water in this place. For so it was commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘You shall eat no bread, nor drink water, nor return by the way which you came’” (1 Kings 13:8-9). With these words, the man of God left the presence of King Jeroboam.

At this point, our story gets particularly interesting. The text introduces a new character to the story: “Now an old prophet was living in Bethel” (1 Kings 13:11a). This old prophet found out about the exchange between King Jeroboam and the man of God, and he quickly went out to find his young counterpart (1 Kings 13:11b-14a). The prophet found him and invited him into his home, but the man of God reiterated the instructions he had received from God (1 Kings 13:14b-17). The old prophet lied to the young man, “I also am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water’” (1 Kings 13:18). Having heard the old prophet’s words, the young prophet abandoned God’s instructions, and followed the man home (1 Kings 13:19). At the home of this prophet, the Lord spoke again to the young man, but this time his message was one of condemnation (1 Kings 13:20-22). “Now when he had gone, a lion met him on the way and killed him, and his body was thrown on the road” (1 Kings 13:24).

Why Did All of This Happen?

Why did the events of this story take place, and, perhaps more significantly, why are they recorded in Scripture? The events recounted above may seem troubling to some. Why did God send the young prophet on this journey? Why did the old prophet tempt the young prophet to disobey the Lord by lying to him? The young prophet was obviously misinformed, why did God see fit to punish him so severely? Why is the old prophet not punished like the young prophet? These kinds of questions are worthwhile questions to consider. I will not pretend to possess all the answer to these questions, but let me suggest two things along these lines.

First, perhaps these events transpired to show the absolute authority and seriousness of God’s word. God had sent this prophet to condemn the idolatrous worship that Jeroboam was setting up in the Northern Kingdom. He had given him very precise instructions (cf. 1 Kings 13:9, 17), just like He had offered Israel precise instructions on how to worship (see Exodus-Deuteronomy). As Jeroboam and the Northern Kingdom were deviating from God’s instructions, God demonstrated through this unfortunate situation that He expects His people to follow His commands. After the young prophet’s death we read, “And behold, men passed by and saw the body thrown on the road” (1 Kings 13:25). It is almost as if this young prophet’s body is left as a monument for all to see the authority and the seriousness of God’s instructions. Later we find the words of the old prophet, “the things shall surely come to pass which he cried by the word of the Lord against the altar in Bethel and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria” (1 Kings 13:32). Even the old prophet recognized that God’s word is authoritative and would be accomplished! The chapter ends by pointing out that “Jeroboam did not return from his evil way” (1 Kings 13:33-34). If God punished the young prophet for a seemingly trivial disobedience, how much more would Jeroboam and Israel be punished for abandoning the Law of God?

Second, perhaps these events came about to demonstrate that God’s Word was the final standard, even above the wisdom of old age. This event provides an interesting contrast to Rehoboam’s downfall in chapter twelve. After consulting both young men and old men, “the king… forsook the advice of the elders which they had given him” (1 Kings 12:13). In this instance, it was wrong for Rehoboam to refuse the wisdom of the aged men. The very next chapter introduces us to “an old prophet” (1 Kings 13:11). Of course, as we pointed out, this old prophet led the young man of God to act contrary to God’s instructions. In this instance, then, it was wrong for the young prophet to accept the foolishness of the aged prophet. Perhaps this is the point: listen to God above EVERYONE else. Sometimes (if not most times) it is advantageous to hear and obey the wisdom that accompanies old age, but there is absolutely no substitute for hearing and obeying the final standard, God’s Word.

What Do We Learn?

The two lessons mentioned above are valuable and important lessons we can learn from this biblical story. First, we need to always remember that God means business. Even if He doesn’t strike us down the instant we sin, God will punish us for our disobedience throughout eternity! Second, we need to always remember that God’s Word is the final word. Regardless of what man has to say, we must understand that God’s Word will judge us.

Christians are in much the same position as this young prophet. We have been given a message from the Lord that is complete in every respect (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Jude 3). Our obligation is to follow that message despite all the noise going on around us (cf. Gal. 1:8-9). It is easy for us to come across an idea that an elder, preacher, teacher, or scholar promotes and accept it as God’s Word. We must not be like the young prophet, but instead we must “examine everything carefully” (1 Thess. 5:21). Some hear new ideas from televangelists, self-help books, or favorite religious publications and quickly abandon what God has revealed to them through His written Word. Brethren, let’s make it our habit to examine “the Scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11) and make it our aim to “obey God rather than men” (cf. Acts 5:29)!

— Via Faithful Sayings, June 14, 2015

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God Does Not Forget His Own

Greg Gwin

Facing difficult and uncertain times, God’s people felt that He had possibly abandoned them . . . “But Zion said, ‘The Lord has forsaken me, and the Lord has forgotten me’” (Isaiah 49:14).

But God offered them the positive assurance that they so desperately needed . . . “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands . . .” (vs. 15-16).

He assured them that it would be more likely for a woman to forget her own child than for Him to forget His people. Just as we sometimes write important reminders on the palm of our hand, even so the Father had them written on His hand. Although their circumstances seemed bleak, God had not forgotten them.

In our own lives we sometimes face a combination of trials and troubles that can raise doubt and uncertainty. At such times we must also remember God’s promises . . . “He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What shall man do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

We have “great and precious promises” from the Creator of the entire universe (2 Peter 1:4). He loves us and cares for us, and He desires all good things for us (Jeremiah 29:11). It should surely comfort us to know that our Heavenly Father has our names written on His hand. “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?” (Romans 8:31).

— Via The Beacon, November 28, 2021

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. for 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 8, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) They Will Still Yield Fruit in Old Age (Jon W. Quinn)
2) I Can Do That! (Greg Gwin)
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They Will Still Yield Fruit in Old Age

Jon W. Quinn

“I don’t know… I just do not feel like I am a part of the congregation anymore.” This statement, or something very similar to it, has been made to me on more than one occasion in different churches by different brethren whom I love and respect very much. In each case, it surprised me because each had done so much to advance the cause of Christ in times past. None of them were perfect, but they each had done what they could.

So, why had this feeling developed? Well, they all had one thing in common that had led them to this conclusion. They were advanced in years. Frailties and responsibilities were weighing heavily upon them, and they were not as directly active in the efforts of the local churches where they were members as they had once been.

First, this is not a feeling exclusively found in the realm of the local church and participation in the efforts there. Even non-religious older folks many times feel the same way concerning whatever realms they may have once been more active in.

But life brings changes. God knew it would be this way, and He has something to say about it. We cannot do better than to see what the Lord has to say.

Not All of Us Are Like Moses

“Although Moses was one hundred and twenty years old when he died, his eye was not dim, nor his vigor abated” (Deuteronomy 34:7). Moses was an exception to the rule, and that is why this Biblical statement was noteworthy. We’d all like to be physically healthy as Moses was in our advanced years.

But typically, we more often fit the description of the writer of Ecclesiastes. After, in a rather mournful poetic way he described failing eyesight and losing one’s teeth, he urges us to remember always the Lord; “Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it” (Eccl 12:6-7; see vss 1-7).

An Aged Psalmist Writes

Though we may not have Moses’ vigor, we can still have his faith. There is an interesting Psalm written by an elderly man of faith. It shows us several things about a man of strong faith as he deals with life’s issues and struggles in his advanced age. Without repeating the whole Psalm here, note a few lines from it.

First, what this gentleman does have is God as his refuge and fortress. Every man and woman of faith at whatever age always has this! “In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed. In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me. Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress” (Psalm 71:1-3).

But this wonderful assurance does not mean that there are no ordeals to overcome. Some are related to age, some are not. For example, then as now, there are people who would trick and con the elderly. The Psalmist writes, “Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man” (Psalm 71:4).

Others watch and were amazed at how this grey-headed (later in the Psalm we learn of his hair color) man of faith deals with life’s issues with a strength and grace that are his because of his faith in God. He will not stop declaring his confidence, peace and joy. “I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge. My mouth is filled with Your praise And with Your glory all day long” (Psalm 71:7-8).

After speaking of how God had been with him from birth, the Psalmist speaks of his continued need for God in the evening of life. He pleads for God’s continued presence, “Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails” (Psalm 71:9).

The Psalmist sees his advancement in age as continued opportunity to show others God’s strength, though perhaps in different circumstances than he did when he was a young man. “O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds. And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come” (Psalm 71:17-18).

And finally, the Palmist sees ultimate revival and victory in spite of the problems he faces in his final time on the earth. “You who have shown me many troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth. May You increase my greatness And turn to comfort me” (Psalm 71:20-21).

Some Things the Lord Has Said

The Lord urges respect for the elderly. This needs to include self-respect for those who are advanced in years. Concerning the righteous elderly, the Lord speaks of their usefulness in His service, “They will still yield fruit in old age… to declare that the LORD is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (See Psalm 92:12-15). For those who have lived their lives in righteous service of the Lord, the Bible says, “A gray head is a crown of glory; It is found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31).

Services to be Rendered

So, what can one do? The first thing to remember is that in the local church there are many different things to do by different people with different abilities and opportunities. Not everyone is young or old (hopefully) but there are things for everyone to do as they are able. No one ought to feel that they are any less a part of the body due to the inability to do everything they would like to be able to do (1 Corinthians 12:13-27). So, what can an elderly disciple do who is now infirmed or otherwise incapacitated due to the restraints of age?

Be good examples. When outward strength fades, show inner, spiritual strength and let it increase. “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day“ (2 Corinthians 4:16). Be the cause of others “marveling” because of your grace and inner strength and confidence. When Paul was aged, he did this from a prison (Philemon 9)!

Give counsel with Scriptures and proven experience. As you are able, speak of the blessings and victories that God has given you (Titus 2:2-4).

Pray. Anna was 84 and prayed “night and day” (Luke 2:37). Age does not diminish the effectiveness of the prayers of righteous men and women (James 5:16b). Pray for the church, the elders, the teachers, the preacher, the sick, the lost, the young, the old.

Do not let anyone diminish the importance of these three areas of service. And these are not exhaustive, you can perhaps think of many more. The church needs all these services, and those who involve themselves in these things are rendering wonderful service to God and His church and a blessing to their fellow members in the body.

— Via The Bradley Banner, Published by the Bradley Church of Christ

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I Can Do That!

Greg Gwin

It’s easy to become overwhelmed at the thought of a big assignment or a difficult challenge.

Sometimes the contemplation of a long and hard task makes us weary even before we begin. In such instances it can be helpful to break the job down into smaller, ‘do-able’ segments. As these manageable ‘bites’ are accomplished, the whole project ultimately gets completed.

As we think about our obligations in service to the Lord we might feel weighed down. But, if we think in terms of the single acts of duty that we can definitely achieve, everything is soon within our reach. Add in God’s promised help (Hebrews 13:5,6) and we are well on our way to success. Like Paul, we can say: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

As we begin this new year, think of some of the things that need to be done; some of the things that you know you should be doing; and think positively about each one. Have the attitude that says: “I can do that!” For instance:

I can read my Bible every day. That’s ‘do-able’, and in the process I will become a better Bible student.

I can attend every worship service and Bible study. Taken one at a time, this will soon add up to a whole year of faithful service; a whole year of gaining strength; a whole year of encouraging my brethren; a whole year of glorifying God. Wow! That’s really worth doing!

I can talk to my friend, my neighbor, my family member, or my co-worker about my faith in Christ and the blessings it brings into my life. Who knows? That may lead to a conversion over the course of time. I can do that!

I can pray for my brethren, thinking regularly about their spiritual and physical well-being. As I do that they will be helped, and I will develop a stronger and more caring relationship with them.

There are lots of ‘little things’ that are within my grasp, and they all add up to some really good and necessary accomplishments for the Lord. All I need is an attitude that says: “I can do that!”

— Via The Beacon, January 1, 2023

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. for Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

January 1, 2023 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Be Thou Faithful (Randy Harshbarger)
2) Reasons You Can Trust God (Kyle Pope)
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Be Thou Faithful

Randy Harshbarger

Revelation 2:10 says: “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” A new year is upon us. This is a time when many are making resolutions for 1993. How did you do with keeping last year’s resolutions? Did you accomplish everything you set out to do? A better question is: What were your goals for this past year and what will they be for the coming days? Will the Lord be included in your plans? Are you making preparations to grow spiritually? Are your dreams and aspirations concerned solely with “this life” and the things therein? Revelation 2:10 speaks to Christians who were being persecuted because of their faith in the Lord. In a very real way, being faithful unto death meant unto the point of death. Even if they were asked to lay their life on the line, they should do so willingly. Are we asked to serve the Lord to such an extreme degree? No, but what would be our reaction if that time came? Actually, you can determine your willingness to serve the Lord in difficult times by how you are serving the Lord now. When the times are favorable for spreading the gospel and worshipping the Father above, do you use every opportunity to put the Lord first? Why do you think that you would give up your life for the Lord, when you will not even put him first now. Jesus plainly says to put him first (Matt. 6:33). As the new year begins let us be concerned about “the good part” that cannot be taken away (Mk. 10:48).

There will be disappointments this year. Family trouble, a financial crisis, or even trouble on the job will surely come to some. Will we continue to faithfully do the Lord’s will in spite of these problems? Undoubtedly Jesus was disappointed when his followers turned away (Jn. 6:66-69). Paul experienced heartache as his once faithful co-workers turned away in his time of need. Christians are not immune from troubles (Job 14:1). Let us resolve not to let anything or anyone turn us away from the Lord.

Satan will be seeking to gain an advantage over us during this year. He seeks our spiritual destruction (1 Pet. 5:8). The Lord provides the way of escape; let us make sure we look for it and use it (1 Cor. 10:13).

We continue to be blessed beyond measure in the riches of this world. Are our possessions possessing us or do we possess them? “I have to work all the time.” “I have to make ends meet.” Is this really true? Is your soul worth all that you are working for? The things of this life have a way of choking out the true riches that should be in our hearts (Lk. 8:14). Are you working for a good retirement in this life or in the one to come (Lk. 12:15-21)? Faithful stewardship means that we willingly give back to the Lord what is his already (1 Cor. 4:2). The rich fall into a trap that is hard to get out of (1 Tim. 6:6-8).

Let our resolve this year be that our reward in heaven is the one goal we will work for. Let everything else be secondary. Put the Lord first. Seek heaven. When we do that, we have blessings now and in the world to come, eternal life!

— Via Guardian of Truth XXXV: 1, p.1, January 7, 1993, https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume37/GOT037001.html

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Psalm 118:24

“This is the day which the LORD has made;
Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

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Reasons You Can Trust God

Kyle Pope

If you are like many people in this world, it may be that the hardships of life, discouragements you have faced, mistreatment by others, or pain that you have experienced have brought you to a point that you find it difficult to put your trust in God. You may feel like He has let you down. You don’t feel like He cares about you. If so, you are not the first to feel this way, but let me offer you some good reasons that you can trust God.

1. He is the source of any joy or good thing in your life. In spite of any disappointments, pain, and suffering you have faced in life, at some point you have experienced good things, happy things, and pleasant things. God gave you those things. The Holy Spirit led James to write, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning” (Jas. 1:17, NKJV). Don’t let the pain make you forget the joys— however few you feel like they may have been.

2. He loves you as no one else ever has. A newborn baby isn’t fully aware of all of the hard work, long hours, sleepless nights, and endless effort that are a part of the love that parents show to their children, but it is there none-the-less. There is no one who has ever loved you like God has! He was loving you before you were ever born. God told Jeremiah, “Before you were in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you” (Jer. 1:5). He was with you in the cradle. He cared for you in ways you don’t even realize even when you faced hardships. In the moving messianic Psalm 22, which Jesus quotes in part from the cross, the Psalmist (and Jesus in anguish) cry out, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” (Psalm 22:1; cf. Matt. 27:46). Yet, the focus of the Psalm (and perhaps the focus of Jesus’s use of it) is the recognition that God was there all along — “He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him; but when He cried to Him, He heard” (Ps. 22:24). The very death of Jesus was a demonstration of His love for you—a love that continues even now. He loves you more than a lover, a mate, a parent, a friend, or a sibling. You can trust One who loves you so much.

3. He has never forsaken you. You may have faced situations in which people you trusted betrayed you, hurt you, or let you down. God has never done that! The Hebrew writer quotes Jesus’s promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). Jesus promised His disciples, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:20). No one else has ever been as faithful to you. You may not have always recognized that He was with you, but don’t confuse what others may have done with what God has done.

4. He has never lied to you. Trust means that we have a confidence in the words or actions of the one in whom we have put our trust. When trust is lost it is because the one in whom we believed failed to honor something that was said or acted in a way that was contrary to our trust. God has never done that to you! The Holy Spirit tells us, “it is impossible for God to lie” (Heb. 6:18)—in fact God “cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). No one else can say that. Any betrayals you may have felt were not done to you by God. He always keeps His word. You may not like what He says, but He will always tell you the truth.

5. He has never mistreated you. People are capable of horrible mistreatment of one another. You may have suffered such mistreatment. God is not indifferent to these things. He “is angry with the wicked every day” (Ps. 7:11) — “the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates” (Ps. 11:5). Freewill allows human beings opportunities for great good, but also great evil. Whatever others have done to you, God has never mistreated you. God asked the people through Micah, “what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me” (Micah 6:3). We can’t blame God for what others have done to us. A father is not guilty for the sins of his children (cf. Ezek. 18:20). God didn’t mistreat you. He has been with you seeking your good in spite of whatever you may have suffered. He may not have spared you from mistreatment, but He cared for you when you faced it.

6. He can sympathize with your struggles. You may wish that God had not allowed you to go through some of the dark times you have faced. Unfortunately, as Jesus said, “in this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), but you can trust God through such things knowing that God in Christ has experienced dark times Himself. The Hebrew writer assures us that we have a High Priest who can “sympathize” with our struggles because He “was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Christ’s suffering keeps us from ever being able to say—“He doesn’t know what it’s like!” or “He doesn’t know how it feels!” We can trust One who has faced what we have faced.

7. He has been patient with you. The first time you doubted Him, or disobeyed Him, as your Creator He had the right to punish you at once for your defiance and rebellion, but He didn’t. The Psalmist rejoices because God, “has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:10). Every day you continue to live, God is giving you time to repent. Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). If God cared enough about you to be patient with you, you can trust that He has your best interests in mind.

8. He promises you hope of an eternity free of suffering. If you doubt God because of what you or others have suffered, consider what you are choosing if you reject Him. Rejection of God doesn’t take away what you have suffered. Instead it consigns you to nothing but suffering! The suffering of your life becomes the sum of your existence. The suffering you will face for rebellion against God will become your fate for eternity. On the other hand, you can trust the One who, in spite of all you may have faced, offers you the hope of a life with Him in which “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4). One who has both the power and the desire to offer such things to you is beyond all question One whom you can trust!

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 24, Issue 52 (December 25, 2022)

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

December 25, 2022 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) “Get Real” (Kyle Pope)
2) The Best Seats in the House (Mark 12:38-40) (Warren E. Berkley)
3) Honor the Presence of an Old Man (Joe R. Price)
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“Get Real”

Kyle Pope

A few years ago, I found a little accessory for my computer on eBay and sent an e-mail to the seller asking him if he would take $18.00 for it. Apparently he thought that offer was far too low and responded rather bluntly, “$18.00?—Get real!” That was not the first time I had heard that expression. It was his way of saying, “$18.00 is not a realistic offer for this item.” Around that time, young people used variations of this as a form of greeting. Two kids leaving each other might say, “keep it real!” It was a way of saying, “be yourself,” or “don’t let anyone make you what you’re not.” It could even mean simply, “see you later—hope things go well with you.” Although these types of expressions, like others of the past, were short-lived and not used as often anymore, I have thought about the significance of such words if considered from a spiritual perspective. Let’s consider a few applications.

We Should “Get Real” in Our Treatment of Others. Far too often Christians allow themselves to be very inconsistent in their treatment of other people. A brother or sister may be kind and loving to others, but rude and cruel to members of their own family. A child of God may talk about God’s love while assembled for worship or Bible study then yell at a driver on the road or give a server in a restaurant a tongue lashing. Or, perhaps we show partiality to those who are wealthy and attractive but disregard those who are not. In doing so we may convince ourselves that we are good, faithful Christians all the while ignoring the reality of our condition before God. The apostle John taught, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7, NKJV). In defining love, Paul begins, “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil” (1 Cor. 13:4-5). We must honestly evaluate our treatment of others if we are to see how we really stand before God.

We Should “Get Real” in Our Understanding of Sin. Souls outside of Christ do not take a realistic view of their sin. It may seem to them as something fun and pleasurable. Taking an interest in spiritual things may seem boring and unnecessary to them. The reality of the situation is that sin against God is a vicious cancer that eats away at our souls, it separates us from God, and promises only condemnation. The alien sinner is not the only one who can fail to realistically understand his sin. Christians may excuse certain behavior saying, “that’s just the way I am!” They may imagine their good works eliminate the need for the saving blood of Christ. These attitudes reflect a view of sin that is unrealistic and spiritually deadly. Paul told the Romans bluntly, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). John declared plainly, “Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. He who sins is of the devil” (1 John 3:7-8). That’s reality.

We Should “Keep It Real” When It Comes to Our Behavior. The casual expression that was used by young people reflects an understanding of the fact that many of us, whether as adults or children, can be hypocritical in our behavior. We want to be Christians on Sunday and Wednesday but worldly the rest of the time. We may become timid around classmates or coworkers and ashamed to let people know our faith. We allow life circumstances to determine whether we will be faithful in our church attendance or we may lie to maintain appearances, get ahead, or take advantage of someone. When we do these things, we are trying to fool ourselves into thinking if no one else sees our duplicity it’s no big deal. The reality of the situation is that our duplicity nullifies our faith. The “part-time” Christian is a “full-time” sinner! James teaches, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (Jas. 4:8). The reality is, that if we live the double-minded life of the hypocrite, we can’t please God.

We Should “Keep It Real” When it Comes to Our View of this World. Nothing about this world should lead us to think that it is permanent. All plants, animals and people wither, decay, and die. Even rocks, mountains, and streams crumble, erode, and evaporate. Yet, many of us want to live our lives as if this world will last forever. We may not be able to see the spiritual side of our makeup, but the reality of the matter is that our soul is the only thing about us that is “real” in the sense that it is enduring. Yes, this world exists, and our bodies exist—but only for a time. One day they will both be burned up and dissolved into nothing! John said through the Holy Spirit, “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (I John 2:17). What plans are we making for the eternity? What provision are we making for what is truly real and enduring? We must “get real” about spiritual things.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 24, Issue 50 (December 11, 2022)

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The Best Seats In The House

Mark 12:38-40

Warren E. Berkley

When attending a concert, play or movie, you may want “the best seats in the house.” For optimum vision and listening, that desire is understood. In the Jewish community of Jerusalem in the time of Christ, there were men who desired the best seats in the house, but not in this sense. They wanted the best places or “chief seats” as part of their exaltation of themselves and their aim “to be seen of men” (Matt. 23:5).

During the last week of His life, our Lord described this evidence of selfish ambition, and wanted the people to beware of these scribes.

“As he taught, Jesus said, ‘Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely'” (Mark 12:38-40, NIV).

If Jesus says, certain people will be “punished most severely,” we should do two things: (1) Avoid that behavior and the attitudes that lead to it, and (2) Watch out for those who exhibit that behavior; we must resist their influence on us. While we must not act out of ugly anger, I believe we ought not to give them the reverent salutations they covet.

These men never missed an opportunity to parade their status, show their rank and remind people of their power. They wore religious garments to draw attention to themselves. Their carnal sanctimonious attitude was fed when common people saluted them. And in synagogues and banquets, they demanded VIP seating. These men were driven by the attention they believed they earned. They were hypocrites, with hearts filled with self-importance. Their “religion” had nothing to do with any love for God.

This is obvious when you consider (1) their ungodly, ostentatious practice of prayer, and (2) their dreadful mistreatment of widows. They were outwardly religious, but inwardly corrupt. That corruption was evident in their devouring of vulnerable widows. Some historical accounts suggest, these men robbed widows of property, peace and livelihood to enrich themselves, pretending the money was for the Lord!

Jesus warns us about self-exalted, unscrupulous people. He condemns them as worthy of punishment. “Pretension ever hides emptiness, and often guilt. Fixed for ever for our repugnance, hatred, and contempt is the character of the religious pretender in the Gospel. Men need to be warned that there is more danger to the soul in pretending to a piety we have not got, than in merely having none at all” (E. Johnson, Pulpit Commentary, Mark 12).

Notice in this context: Before this passage and after this passage — Jesus describes the opposite attitude and behavior. In Mark 12:28-34, love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself. In Mark 12:41-44, He gives an example of generosity from the very class oppressed by the scribes. In vivid contrast to the greedy scribes, there is the widow who gave “all that she had to the Lord.”

If I am personally serious about avoiding the hypocrisy of the scribes, I will love God, love my neighbor and give as the widow gave.

— Via Expository Files 9.1; January 2002

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Honor the Presence of an Old Man

Joe R. Price

“You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:32).

Growing old is natural. The old were once young, and the young will become old. These things are too self-evident to warrant comment. Today’s command from the Law of Moses trained Israel to have respect for the elderly. But more than that, showing respect toward the aged is described as growing out of one’s fear of God. He is “Lord” (YHWH, Jehovah), the eternally-existing one. Ultimately, we do not have power over the aging process, He does. Being disrespectful toward an older person reflects a fundamental failure to respect God, who gives life (both young and old). So, when you come upon an older person in the grocery store who can no longer push the shopping cart as quickly as you, don’t become frustrated. When the older person is driving slower than you think he should, be patient. The “old man” should not be discounted because of his age, any more than the strength of the youth should be discounted by the aged. There is a place in this world for both. “The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is their gray head” (Proverbs 20:29). Whether young or old, we must fear God because He is timeless.

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, February 2019

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

December 18, 2022 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Render Unto Caesar (Jon W. Quinn)
2) Almost Persuaded (David Padfield)
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Render Unto Caesar

Jon W. Quinn

The name “Caesar” was originally the name of a powerful Roman family and eventually became an imperial title. Perhaps the most renowned member of this family was Gaius Julius Caesar. After the dynasty ended with the death of Nero in 68 A.D., the name Caesar was retained to designate future Roman imperial rulers. Much later, leaders of Germany and Russia were called respectively “Kaiser” and “czar” even at the beginning of the twentieth century, both of these titles are derived from the word “Caesar.”

Augustus (27 B.C. – 14 A.D.)

“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth” (Luke 2:1). Augustus was the adopted son of Julius Caesar. His name was Gaius Octavius, and he assumed the name Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus in accordance with Roman custom. It was later that he added the title “Augustus” which in Latin (the Language of the Romans) means “majestic.” In Augustus’ reign we have the birth of Jesus, in which Augustus unknowingly plays a part in the fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

The decree mentioned in Luke 2:1 compelled Joseph and Mary to return to their ancestral hometown to register in the Roman census. So, despite Mary’s condition of late term pregnancy, the couple traveled from Nazareth of Galilee to Bethlehem of Judea where the baby was born. The Son of God was thus born in Bethlehem just as the prophet Micah had said about seven centuries before (Luke 2:1-11; Micah 5:2).

Tiberius (14-37 A.D.)

“Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip was tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene…” (Luke 3:1) The emperor Tiberius, who succeeded his stepfather Augustus, ruled for about twenty-three years. He was a capable administrator but also the object of general dislike. He relied on military power and in Rome had his Praetorian Guard, the only organized troops allowed legally in Rome to keep his rule secure. It was Tiberius Caesar who was reigning during the ministries of both John and Jesus and also when the church had it’s beginning. The church also spread from Jerusalem due to a great persecution that rose against it. One of the persecutors, a “young man named Saul,” after having zealously persecuted the church would become a convert to Christ due to an appearance to him by the resurrected Jesus. Saul would become an apostle and change his name to Paul during the time of Tiberius.

Caligula (37-41 A.D.)

There is no mention of Caligula in the Bible. He was a cruel, insane and tyrannical leader who ruled for four years. During his time, the church continued to spread through Palestine; though some Christians who had fled from Jerusalem during the persecution returned.

Claudius (41-54 A.D.)

Claudius, whose rule of thirteen years was distinguished by the conquest of Britain, and who continued the public works and administrative reforms instituted under Augustus, was the emperor during the three missionary journeys of Paul (although the third journey had not yet been completed when Claudius died). The prophet Agabus had prophesied that a great famine would take place over the world, and Luke informs us that it came to pass during the time of Claudius (Acts 11:28). When the famine hit Judea particularly hard, churches from other places sent funds to relieve the needy saints in Jerusalem and Judea. Claudius didn’t know it, but he was responsible for Paul meeting Aquila and Priscilla when he did. “And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them…” (Acts 18:2). Historical sources outside the Bible confirm that this did occur. Roman historians speak of this expulsion of Jews from Rome. Evidently, there was some turmoil and unrest over a man called “Christos” (Christ – J.Q.). Though the account does not elaborate, we remember well how the Scriptures of God relate that often there was discord, mob action and even riots associated with the early persecution of the Christians by the Jews. Among those forced to leave were Paul’s soon-to-be friends and co-workers, Aquila and Priscilla, who moved to Corinth where they first met Paul.

Nero (54-68 A.D.)

Nero’s rule at first was moderate, as a result of the wise counsel of advisors. But, he also faltered becoming paranoid (though the threats were sometimes real, often they were not) about all those around him, including his own mother (whom he had killed). It was during Nero’s reign that Rome began persecuting the church, Nero blamed them for a fire that had swept through Rome. His overthrow, which was caused by his later excesses, and his subsequent suicide marked the end of the line of Julio-Claudian emperors, though future emperors retained the name “Caesar.”

Ironically, Nero was the Caesar to whom Paul appealed for justice(!) (Acts 25:11). After Paul was delivered to Rome, Nero placed Paul under house arrest (Acts 28:19). Paul writes of teaching the gospel to some of the Praetorian Guard and that some members of Nero’s own household were Christians during his imprisonments (Philippians 1:13; 4:22). Paul was eventually released, but then later rearrested and executed. He writes of his coming execution in 2 Timothy 4, a chapter showing his great faith and confidence.

Galba, Otho, and Vitellius (68-69 A.D.)

Brief reigns.

Vespasian (69-79 A.D.)

Vespasian and his sons, the emperors Titus and Domitian, are known as the Flavians. Vespasian fulfilled Jesus’ prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem (with his son, Titus, being the commander in the field) (Matthew 24:1,2).

Titus (79-81 A.D.)

The famous eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed the towns of Herculaneum and Pompeii happened during the rule of Titus.

Domitian (81-96 A.D.)

Domitian became a cruel tyrant in the later years of his rule, and the period of terror associated with his name ended with his murder. John was exiled to the island of Patmos and wrote the Book of Revelation from there concerning a great persecution against the churches in Asia Minor. Emperor worship was commanded of the people, and Christians would not oblige (Revelation 16:2, et.al.). But the message from John assures them of complete and final victory if they would be faithful even unto death (Revelation 2:10). The message speaks of the fall and defeat of Rome, the defeat of Satan, and victory of Jesus and His faithful ones.

— Via the Bradley Banner, July 6, 2003, published by the Bradley Church of Christ in Bradley, Illinois

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Almost Persuaded

David Padfield

For two years Porcius Festus held Paul prisoner in Caesarea Maritima. When Felix succeeded Festus, “the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul; and they petitioned him asking a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem — while they lay in ambush along the road to kill him” (Acts 25:2-3).

Unaware of the plot to kill Paul, Festus asked him if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to be judged. Paul responded by saying, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you very well know. For if I am an offender, or have committed anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying; but if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar” (Acts 25:10-11).

By exercising his right as a Roman citizen, Paul appealed his case to Augustus Caesar. While waiting for a ship to take Paul to Rome, Festus asked King Agrippa to help him “specify the charges” against Paul (Acts 25:27). Agrippa, the great-grandson of Herod the Great, had been appointed ruler of Abilene, part of Galilee, Iturea and Trachonitis by the Roman Emperor Claudius.

King Agrippa permitted Paul to freely speak concerning the charges made against him by the Jews. Luke records the moving sermon Paul preached to Agrippa in the twenty-sixth chapter of the book of Acts.

While speaking of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, Paul was interrupted by Festus and accused of being “beside” himself (Acts 26:24). Luke then records these words of Paul: “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe” (Acts 26:25-27). Agrippa uttered one brief sentence in reply to Paul. He said, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian” (Acts 26:28).

One of the saddest words heard at the judgment will be the bitter cry of “almost.” To “almost” be a Christian is to be a child of Satan. To “almost” repent of your sins is to die in your sins. To “almost” be saved is to be eternally lost. To “almost” go to heaven is to be sent to hell. “Almost cannot avail; almost is but to fail; sad, sad, that bitter wail — almost, but lost.”

— Via Roanridge Reader, Volume 28, Issue 26, Page 1, June 30, 2013

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Classes

The Gospel Observer

December 11, 2022 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Remember Shiloh! Jeremiah 7:1-7 (Jon W. Quinn)
2) What Would You Do? (Wayne Goff)
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Remember Shiloh!

Jeremiah 7:1-7

Jon W. Quinn

In the days of Jeremiah (ca. 600 B.C.), the people of Judah faced difficult times. The northern kingdom of Israel was history, taken into Assyrian captivity. Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had defeated Assyria, and was making his way into Judah.

The people of Judah had developed a false trust. They were placing their confidence and hopes everywhere but the place where it would have done them some good. It is through the prophet Jeremiah that the Lord condemns as useless the false hopes created in the hearts of the people of Judah by the leaders.

It is still possible today to put our hope and confidence in the wrong place. We would do well to avoid making the same critical mistake as Judah did. We read of that false trust and how Jehovah responded to it in the seventh chapter of Jeremiah.

The False Trust of Judah

First, the people placed their confidence in the temple buildings themselves (vss. 1-7). The Lord responded, “Do not trust in deceptive words, saying, ‘This is the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD, the temple of the LORD’” (Jeremiah 7:4).

The people were under the impression that the mere fact that the temple was located in Jerusalem would spare the city. The Lord sent Jeremiah to the temple itself to preach that it would take genuine repentance to reverse the situation (Jeremiah 7:1-7).

Then, as now, the Lord required more than rituals involving temple worship and outward piety. Repentance would mean not only true-hearted worship of the Lord, but also a change in how the people treated one another; that their dealings were to be just and honorable and without oppression.

Second, they sought to excuse their obvious sins (Jeremiah 7:8-11). Again, theirs was a false trust in that they were being led to think that they could sin and not be held accountable. “Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail” (Jeremiah 7:8). After committing transgression, they would go to the temple thinking that would absolve them: “…then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are delivered!’ — that you may do all these abominations?” (Jeremiah 7:10). The Lord could see through such hypocrisy and responds by saying that this, too, is a false hope. He says, “Remember Shiloh!” (Jeremiah 7:12).

Shiloh is where the tabernacle had stood before the temple had been built at Jerusalem, and was at that time the center of the worship unto Jehovah (Joshua 8:1). The ark of the covenant was there. Somehow, the people had gotten the idea that if the ark was physically present with them, that they were invincible. They were not faithful to the Lord in their conduct and service, but they had the “magical” ark, so they would prevail in battle against the Philistines.

They were wrong about that. It was at Shiloh where the ark of the covenant had been captured by the Philistines and the unfaithful people of Israel defeated (1 Samuel 4:10-11). It was as if they believed that the ark was like a lamp and God was a genie inside enslaved to whoever possessed the ark. That was certainly a mistake.

Jeremiah warns that God would do likewise with Jerusalem and the temple (Jeremiah 7:13-15). That is, just as He had withdrawn His protection from Shiloh and allowed the ark to be captured, He would withdraw His protection from the temple and allow it to be captured as well. This because of Judah’s failure to heed His prophets – (vs. 13).

Similar False Trust Today

Could we have a false trust as “members” of the church which Christ built? Are some like the Judeans who cried “The Temple of the Lord…” but did not give themselves fully and loyally to the Lord and His service? There may be those who cry “The Church of Christ…” behaving as if membership will cover over negligence and inactivity. It may be that some think as long as they are members of a faithful church that they are secure. But the Bible says that judgment begins with the household of God (1 Peter 4:17) and the parable of the tares also tells us that such attitudes are misguided (Matthew 13:41-43).

The fact is, salvation is dependent on individual faith and loyalty, not by the crowd with whom we may be associated. While it is true that our associates may have an effect on what kind of character we develop, each one of us will be judged as an individual and not by group allegiance or association! – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Do some, like the Judeans, who disobeyed God, then claimed exemption, do likewise today? Living in and of the world part of the time, and then going to “church”? Do we find ourselves participating in worldliness in our manner of speech, conduct and/or style of dress but think of ourselves as being “faithful members” because we “go to church” the way they went to the temple?

Today, as then, God is a God of grace, but his grace instructs us to live holy (Titus 2:11,12). There is no sacrifice made for those who willfully transgress God’s law (Hebrews 10:23-31). Salvation is dependent upon God’s grace, not church ritual!

The Lord responded to the folly of such a false trust: As they were once told, “Remember Shiloh!” let us “Remember Sardis!” (Revelation 3:1-6). They had “a living name,” but that did not free them from the threat of condemnation – (vss. 1-3). As always, salvation was based on individual consecration (vss. 4-6).

To the folly of such a false trust we could also answer: “Remember Laodicea!” (Revelation 3:14-22). They had become “lukewarm” – (vss. 14,15). They were in danger of expulsion because of worldliness – (vss. 16,17 ). They were in need of repentance; full and complete repentance ( vss. 18-22).

Like Judah whose salvation from destruction depended upon wholehearted service to God, so our salvation depends on complete and faithful obedience to the will of Christ! We must avoid the fallacy of “virtue by association,” and remember that God has promised to do to us just as He did to Israel if we are not faithful – (see Romans 11:20-22). This is a call to personal commitment and endeavor. It is not enough to be associated with the faithful… each of us must become one of God’s faithful.

Note: Many thanks to my friend Mark Copeland for doing a sermon outline upon which many of the thoughts in this article are based.

— Via Expository Files 13.3; March 2006

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What Would You Do?

Wayne Goff

In studying the book of Isaiah, it is fascinating to study the psychological conflict between Judah’s good King Hezekiah and Assyria’s idolatrous, worldly-wise King Sennacherib (2 Chron. 32; Isaiah 36-37).

Sennacherib had already defeated most of Judah’s fortified cities and was laying siege to Lachish when he sent his ambassadors to Jerusalem to demand an unconditional surrender. His persuasive arguments were designed to destroy any faith or hope in winning the battle against Assyria. Systematically he tried to cast down every vestige of hope: (1) Your God will not deliver you from Assyrian siege; (2) King Hezekiah destroyed the altars and high places of worship to God; (3) What other nations or gods have kept me from defeating them? (4) He even lied and said that Jehovah had sent Assyria to punish Judah. (5) Sennacherib offered to transplant the Jews to a foreign land much like their own native country.

Now, dear reader, place yourself in Jerusalem at this time (ca. 700 B.C.) and ask yourself what you would do. A world power has come up against your nation and has defeated almost every other fortified city except yours. This powerful nation is vicious, cruel and heartless in their military ways. Your nation and king seem physically helpless against these great odds. Would you surrender?

First, King Hezekiah fortified Jerusalem as best he could (2 Chron. 32:5ff). Then he encouraged his people with remarkable words of faith in this dark hour: “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him. With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles” (2 Chron. 32:7-8).

The faith of Hezekiah led him to see the vast heavenly host and the God of heaven above the great Assyrian army and its King Sennacherib.

THE RESULTS? God struck dead 185,000 Assyrian soldiers overnight (Is. 37:36)! Every mighty man of valor, leader and captain was killed (2 Chron. 32:21)

THE LESSON? “…Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 Jn. 4:4). So fight your spiritual battles with confidence!

— Via Roanridge Reader, June 12, 2011

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

December 4, 2022 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Parables Of The Treasure In The Field And The Pearl Of Great Price (Mike Willis)

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Parables Of The Treasure In The Field And The Pearl Of Great Price

Mike Willis

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it” (Matt. 13:44-46).

Jesus taught these two parables to emphasize how men should treasure and value the kingdom of heaven. “The whole point of the parable is the joy with which the man finds the treasure, and his abandonment of everything else in order to secure it” (B.T.D. Smith, Cambridge Greek Testament: The Gospel According to Matthew, p. 141). There are several lessons in this parable which deserve our careful study.

The Gospel Is A Treasure

In both parables, the gospel of Jesus Christ or the kingdom of heaven is presented as a treasure or a pearl of great price. The riches of earth, the pleasures of life, and the praise of fellow men are not worthy to be compared with the blessings which God has prepared for man in the gospel. Many who have attained the riches of this earth, personal fame, and political power manifest a dissatisfaction down deep in their soul. The rainbows after which many seek cannot satisfy man’s deepest longings.

In contrast to the lesser treasures which most men seek, the Lord has provided a treasure for us in the gospel. The treasure was expensive from the point of view of the cost to provide it. God the Father had to give up His dear Son to suffer the agonies of death on Calvary. God the Son shed His precious blood in order that mankind could be redeemed from sin. As one considers the high price of the gospel, he is impressed that it is a treasure.

The gospel is a treasure when considered on the basis of what it does for its recipient. The gospel of Jesus Christ provides forgiveness of sin for mankind, a peace which passes all understanding, a guide to right living which provides for personal happiness now and eternal life when we die. The realization that there is purpose in life, the means of obtaining inner peace with one’s self, the hope for a bright tomorrow, the hope for justice to triumph, and other such human ideals can only find attainment through what God has provided for us in the gospel. Indeed, the gospel of Jesus Christ is a treasure, a pearl of great price.

The Discovery Of The Treasure And Pearl

The two parables have many points of similarity; however, they also have a significant difference with reference to how the two men found their respective treasures. The one man accidentally stumbled upon his treasure; the other man found the pearl after a long, arduous search for it. Let us consider the significance of each of these men.

1. The One Found The Treasure. The parable relates that a certain man found a treasure in a field. We do not know what he was doing in the field, whether plowing it for someone else, passing through it, or something else; that is unimportant. The point is that he accidentally discovered a treasure, recognized its value, and did everything necessary in order to obtain it.

There are men who find the Kingdom of heaven just as the man found the treasure in the field. They accidentally stumble onto the gospel. The woman at the well in John 4 did not go in search of eternal life; she stumbled onto it. The Philippian jailor was not looking for the gospel of Jesus Christ on the night when the earthquake freed his prisoners (Acts 16:26-34). There are many others who accidentally find the gospel. Some meet a friend who tells them about Jesus while on the job, some tune in a radio program, some pick up a tract, or otherwise happen to come in contact with the gospel of Jesus Christ without looking for it.

2. The One Who Found The Pearl. The man who found the pearl of great price was different from the man who found the treasure in that he was pursuing pearls. He found his pearl of great price at the end of a diligent search for valuable pearls. There are men who find the gospel in this manner as well. Lydia learned the gospel while assembled by the banks of a river in the worship of God (Acts 16:14-15). Cornelius was taught the gospel after diligently pursuing prayer, good works, and other acts of devotion to the Lord (Acts 10:1-2). The Bereans sought and searched diligently to be sure that the things which they were taught were so (Acts 17:11). These men were searching for the truth and recognized it when they found it.

There are men like that who find the gospel today. Some of them have wandered in and out of several denominations. Some of them put us to shame in the good deeds which they have done. In their searching for the truth, they come into contact with the gospel of Jesus Christ, recognize it for what it is, and give up everything necessary in order to obtain it.

The Effort To Obtain The Treasure And The Pearl

The parables are similar in demonstrating the effort which each man made to obtain his respective treasure. The two men in the parables are alike in two respects: they know a very valuable thing when they see it, and they are willing to pay the highest price in order to secure it. The attitude of both men was to make the discovered treasure their own at whatever price it cost them. Each sold all that he had in order to obtain his treasure. The man who discovered the treasure was beside himself with joy at having found the treasure. Neither man begrudged what he had to give up to obtain his treasure. Each man thought that his treasure was worth more than the things which he gave up to obtain it.

In order to obtain the gospel treasure or the pearl of great price, men have had to be willing to pay the price. Moses gave up all of the riches, political power, and fame of Egypt in order to be identified with the Christ (Heb. 11:24-25). Paul had to give up his position in the Jewish religion in order to become a Christian (Phil. 3:4-11). The rich young ruler was called upon to sell all that he had and give it to the poor in order to be Christ’s disciple (Matt. 19:16-22). Some men have had to sacrifice their families in order to be faithful to Jesus (Lk. 14:26). Other men have had to sacrifice life itself for Christ (Acts 7:54-8: 1; Acts 12:1-3; Rev. 2:10; 2 Tim. 4:6-8). Yet, these men gave their lives joyfully because they valued the kingdom of heaven as being of more value than life itself.

“We are inclined to say that a person who discovers treasure anywhere or in any form and then walks away from it is a fool. But many do that with the gospel” (James Montgomery Boice, The Parables of Jesus, p. 32).

What we commonly find is that the kingdom of heaven is not so esteemed. “We see men hesitating to part with anything for it, looking at it as a sad alternative, as a resort to which they must perhaps betake themselves when too old to enjoy life any longer, as what they have to come to when all the real joy and intensity of life are gone, but. not as that on which life itself can be spent. Entrance into the kingdom of heaven is looked upon much as entrance into the fortified town is viewed by the rural population. It may be necessary in time of danger, but they will think with longing of the fields and homesteads they must abandon; it is by constraint, not from love, that they make the change. In short, it is plain that men generally do not reckon the kingdom of heaven to be of such value that they sacrifice everything else for its sake” (Marcus Dods, The Parables Of Our Lord, p. 104).

The fact remains that, in the minds of most people, the gospel is not worth nearly so much as the treasures of this life. Consequently, when they come into contact with the gospel, they have to be exhorted and beseeched to make them give up anything to obey the gospel. Churches are filled with “Christians” who are unwilling to weather three drops of rain to attend worship services, who would think nothing of missing an evening worship service to watch a ball game or attend a game, who never find time to read their Bibles, and who pray very little on a day-to-day basis. The problem is that the gospel or the kingdom of heaven is not considered by them to be a treasure worth much of anything at all.

When sacrifices are made in order to “put Jesus first,” the sacrifices are made amidst groanings and complaints. What is sacrificed is done with a sour-puss attitude and disposition which is attractive to no one — not even to their own children who frequently grow up with this mistaken concept of Christianity and turn away from it, being repulsed by it. Christianity which makes a man miserable is not worth much to its owner.

Merchants who go from one end of the earth to the other, and venture everything in search of worldly gain, may well put to shame many Christians who care so little for the Lord, and their own salvation.

Conclusion

“The idea embodied in the parable is to this effect: the Messianic Kingdom, as being the most valuable of all possessions, can become ours only on condition that we are prepared joyfully to surrender for its sake every other earthly treasure” (H.A.W. Meyer, Critical and Exegetical Hand-Book To The Gospel Of Matthew, p. 262). To adorn the body with pearls, but to forget the pearl of great price will bring one to shame in the day of judgment. What is your disposition toward the kingdom of heaven? Do you truly consider it to be a treasure or pearl of great price for which you are willing to surrender everything else in the world?

— Via Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 4, pp. 98, 114-115, February 16, 1984, https://www.truthmagazine.com/archives/volume28/GOT028051.html

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. for Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

November 27, 2022 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) “Righteousness Exalts a Nation” (Kyle Pope)
2) When You Read The Scriptures (Johnie Edwards)
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“Righteousness Exalts a Nation”

Kyle Pope

The Bible sometimes reveals principles of general truth that do not apply in every instance. Proverbs 22:6, for example, teaches, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it” (NKJV). This is not a guarantee that sound teaching in childhood prevents unfaithfulness to the Lord as an adult—as Solomon, who likely penned these words, proves (see Prov. 10:1; 1 Kings 11:4). This is a general truth. In most cases, teaching our children to love and fear the Lord produces adults who remain faithful to Him.

Proverbs 14:34, from which the title of this study is drawn, is a similar example. It reads, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Does that guarantee that nations who do right will always be victorious in battle, have flourishing economies, and develop happy, healthy, and safe communities? No. Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), and Paul told Timothy, “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). This, like Proverbs 22:6, is a general truth. When nations, communities, families, and churches practice what is right and seek to be right before God it raises them out of the chaos and turmoil of this world into an exalted condition.

General truths rely upon proper definitions. What constitutes what is right? Our world is going through a conceptual crisis of definitions. What used to be considered right and true is under attack. What used to be considered wrong and evil is flaunted and marched into the public spotlight without shame. Will such redefinitions of righteousness exalt a nation? No. The Lord warned long ago through Isaiah, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” (Isa. 5:20).

What determines, then whether something is right or wrong? Do our individual feelings and opinions set the standard? The criminal thinks his actions are right. Everyone has different feelings and opinions. Is right and wrong really that subjective?

Perhaps it is cultural. Do the customs and mores of each culture determine right and wrong? Certainly, different societies and cultures develop different ideas that come to be bound upon the members of their communities by local laws or peer pressure, but history demonstrates how transitory these standards are. What is criminal at one time can become legal and approved only a few years later. Is right and wrong really something that variable?

Thankfully, the Bible offers us a much different gauge to determine righteousness. The psalmist declared of God, “all Your commandments are righteousness” (Ps. 119:172b). God has revealed His will for humanity in the inspired texts of Scripture. Paul explained, through the Holy Spirit, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If the Scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, are “profitable” for “instruction in righteousness” equipping us for “every good work” then the assertion is that they serve as the true and unchanging standard of determining right and wrong.

The message of salvation and life in Christ revealed in the New Testament is often referred to as “the gospel”—a word meaning “good news.” Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith’” (Rom. 1:16-17). So, while “all Scripture” is inspired of God, the message of Christ contained in the New Testament now reveals “the righteousness of God”—that is, what God now defines as right and how one may now be right before Him. It is this “righteousness” in the lives of individual citizens and this “righteousness” when allowed to shape and influence civil law that will exalt a nation.

General truths often use relative terms. What does it mean to exalt something? It depends on what it is. The same Hebrew word translated “exalts” in Proverbs 14:34 is used elsewhere of bringing up children (Isa. 1:2) or the growth of trees (Ezek. 31:4-5). Does righteousness raise up a nation in that sense? Perhaps to a certain extent, but that’s not generally how we think of the exultation of a nation or of people. We noticed above that righteousness does not eliminate tribulation or persecution but can actually cause it. So, the exultation promised in Proverbs 14:34 does not guarantee a life free of trouble and hardship.

Perhaps we can compare this to a statement made by Jesus. In teaching against religious ostentation, He taught, “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Matt. 23:11-12). How will one “be exalted” if he deliberately avoids titles and behavior that makes him and above others? On the one hand it may come from honor given by others rather than something taken upon one’s self. Jesus used similar language in a parable about one invited to a wedding who took the lowest seat and was then honored by being moved to a greater seat (Luke 14:7-11).

Jesus’s words may also address spiritual exultation. The disciple of Christ in many cases must accept self-denial and deprivation in this life in anticipation of an exalted hope in eternal life. The rich young ruler was told, “go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven” (Matt. 19:21b). The disciples were promised, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life” (Mark 10:29-30). This promises spiritual blessings “now in this time” and “in the age to come” in spite of any sacrifices or persecutions suffered in service to the Lord.

The exultation promised to the righteous nation is much the same. Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10). Peter wrote, “But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed” (1 Pet. 3:14a). In spite of whatever suffering the righteous may face in this life, they are in a spiritually exalted condition (cf. Eph. 2:6-7). As children of God, they are honored, loved, and in fellowship with the King as they await the promise of inheriting the exalted blessing of eternal life with God in heaven.

General truths depend upon meeting specific conditions. The exultation promised in Proverbs 14:34 is contingent upon the practice and attaining of righteousness as defined by God. Man imagines that doing what is “right in his own eyes” (Judg. 17:6; 21:25) leads to happiness, justice, peace, and prosperity. That wasn’t true in the time of the judges and it isn’t true in our world today. The Holy Spirit warns, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts” (Prov. 21:2). Before the throne of God’s judgment our opinions don’t matter.

Only the righteousness of God as revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ will exalt our nation and our lives. We will never come to a time when our world as a whole embraces the gospel: “Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matt. 7:14). In that sense, Proverbs 14:34 is an ideal that can never be absolutely attained. Yet, righteousness as it relates to the status of a nation has never meant that every single individual lives right. It often means that the righteous minority has the courage to act. As more and more men and women today rebelliously do only what is right in their own eyes may God’s people have the courage to seek and practice the true righteousness of God.

— Via Faithful Sayings, Volume 24, Issue 47 (November 20, 2022)

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When You Read The Scriptures

Johnie Edwards

Paul said, “Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Ephesians 3:4). The Bible can be understood if we will learn how to study. A few simple rules will help us as we study.

Read the Bible knowing that it is inspired of God. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures are authoritative. Christ has all authority (Matthew 28:18).

When you read the Scriptures, ask, “Who is doing the speaking?” In Genesis 3:4 we can read, “Ye shall not surely die.” If I know the Devil said this, then I will have no trouble understanding that this is not a true statement.

We need to know to whom the message is spoken when we read the Scriptures. Sometimes the Bible speaks to the Jews as under the Law of Moses, sometimes to the man, sometimes to the woman, sometimes to elders of the church, or the deacons. Some passages have their application in the life of the individual, like in the story of the Good Samaritan, and some to the church as a group.

One must love the truth when he reads the Scriptures. Paul said that some “perished because they received not the love of the truth” (2 Thessalonians 2:10). Truth cannot be handled carelessly. If one loves the truth, he will study and accept the truth as it is without trying to pervert it.

When you read the Scriptures, read the context. This simply means read the passage before and after the one you are trying to understand.

Read all on a given subject. You will not understand the truth unless you read all that God has said about a given topic. For example, when you study the subject of faith, you should read every passage on the subject of faith. No passage contradicts another, but all Scriptures harmonize one with another.

John said, “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand” (Revelation 1:3).

— Via The Beacon, November 20, 2022
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Bible Classes

The Gospel Observer

November 20, 2022 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Thankfulness (Donald R. Givens)
2) Persistence and Confidence in Prayer (Heath Rogers)
3) Big “I” (Ray Ferris)
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Thankfulness

Donald R. Givens

The words “thankful, thank, thanks, and thanksgiving” occur quite frequently in God’s Word. One can easily see the importance of this characteristic through a search of the scriptures.

Thankfulness characterizes the genuine child of God. His is a life of continual gratitude and thanksgiving. “Thanks” can be defined as: “expressing gratitude; speaking grateful language (especially as an act of adoration or worship toward God); to acknowledge praise; to revere or worship because of blessings received.”

The person who is thankful will also be kind and considerate of the feelings of others. One hates to give a gift and receive absolutely “no thanks” in return. What about all the “gifts” God has given us? We should be grateful for life, food, clothing, shelter, family, and a free land in which to worship and serve Him. Do we EXPRESS GRATITUDE for these things, or are we perhaps somewhat unthankful? Yes, many individuals receive wonderful blessings from the Lord God, but never take time from their busy lives to thank him sincerely.

Thankful

Psalm 100 is a song of thanksgiving and it admonishes “all ye lands” to “be thankful unto Him, and bless His name” (verses 1 and 4). The Father made us, sustains us, and will bless all who love Him. Jehovah is good. His loving-kindness endures forever.

Paul reminded the Colossian Christians to “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful” (Col. 3:15). The peace found in being obedient to Christ must RULE in our hearts. BE THANKFUL commands Paul. It is not a drudgery or unpleasant burden to give thanks, but a joy beyond measure.

Thanks

David, the inspired psalmist said in Psalm 18:49, “Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.” Children of God today, as David, must also give thanks unto the Lord, and singing praises to His glorious name is one of the best ways to thank Him. The singer of Israel also exclaimed: “To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever” (Ps. 30:12).

Ingratitude is one of the darkest and most ugly of all sins. All sin is ugly, and ingratitude is universally despised. The ingrate is the one who never stops long enough nor gets far enough from his own selfishness to thank God for all His blessings which He has so bountifully poured out on His creatures. Do not be guilty of ingratitude — toward God or toward parents, friends, or other humans who have done so much for you.

Courageous Daniel, in idolatrous Babylon, against the “signed decree” still prayed to the Lord God and gave thanks. Listen to Daniel 6:10. “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed; he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Even though Daniel was later thrown into the pit of lions, he suffered no harm and his faith won the victory.

In Luke 17:16 we see one leper out of ten cured returning to give thanks unto Jesus. What ungrateful wretches were those other nine. In which class are you? In which group am I?

Even our Lord Jesus gave thanks before feeding the multitudes (John 6:11). What a splendid example for us.

Eph. 5:20 commands: “Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Please notice that thanks are to be given ALWAYS and for ALL things! And then Paul instructs Christians in I Thess. 5:18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

Thanksgiving

An everlasting principle is found in Psalm 50:14 which says: “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the Most High.” Paul reminded the Philippians to “be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Worry will do no good. Instead of worrying about what we do not have … be thankful for what you do have. We should be “rooted and built up in Him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:7). And “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2).

This responsibility of thankfulness is not to be taken lightly nor ignored. In II Tim. 3:2 we read of some despicable sins and among them is listed ” UNTHANKFUL.” Was Paul speaking of you?

What about bowing in prayer right now and giving thanks to the Lord God for all His goodness toward you?

— via Searching the Scriptures, Volume X, Number 10, October 1969

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Persistence and Confidence in Prayer

Heath Rogers

Some have the idea that we shouldn’t bother God with our problems. If we asked for something once, He heard us, and we should wait for His answer. Jesus did not teach us to pray in this manner.

After giving His disciples the model prayer, Jesus went on to deliver a parable showing God’s willingness to answer our prayers (Luke 11:5-8). He told of a man who went to a neighbor at midnight and asked for bread to supply an unexpected need. At first, the neighbor would not give him bread, but finally did so because of his persistence in asking.

Just as the man in this parable was persistent in his request, so should we be persistent in our prayers to God. Prayer is not like a fire extinguisher – to be used only in emergencies. God wants to hear from us often (1 Thess. 5:17).

Jesus is not teaching that God is like this grouchy man who didn’t want to help his neighbor. In fact, He is the opposite. If a tired and selfish man finally got up to meet this neighbor’s needs, how much more can we trust in God’s readiness to grant our requests?

If we will but ask, seek, and knock, we will find that God is more than willing to grant our requests (Luke 11:9-13). Jesus said God is our Father. Earthly parents are ready to provide the needs of their children. They don’t respond with harmful things (such as stones, serpents, or scorpions). Likewise, we can trust God to give us the things we need.

Praying in faith means asking with confidence that God hears us, cares, and will provide for our needs. Are you and I praying in faith? Are we persistent and confident in our prayers?

— Via Articles from the Knollwood church of Christ, November 2022

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Big “I”

Ray Ferris

” . . . I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.” Acts 26:29.

Perhaps many of us recognize these words as those spoken by Paul to Agrippa when he told Paul that he had almost been persuaded to become a Christian (KJV). Have we ever stopped to think of what it would require for us to be able to make the same statement that Paul made to Agrippa? It would mean much more than being just a member of the church. It would mean that I could examine the type of life that I am now living, and yet be able to say the world would be a much better place to live in, even if every other person in the world were living that same type of life! It would mean that the universal church of Christ would be more like what the Lord would have it to be, even if every other Christian lived and served the same way that I do! It would mean that the local congregation of the body where I worship would be more active and more zealous in doing that which is pleasing to the Lord, even if every other member of that congregation attended the services, gave of his money, and helped to do that which must be done just as I do. Remember, Paul said “. . . I would to God, that . . . all that hear me this day, were . . . Altogether such as I am . . . ” What a sobering thought!

But now, let us apply the thought. Are you a member of the Lord’s church? Then ask yourself this question: “If every other person in the local congregation where I am a member worshipped, labored for, and served the Lord as I do, what would this church be like?” We all think it is wonderful for the church to do very great things, but when the time comes to do, oftentimes “Big I” am not to be found.

— Via The Beacon, July 3, 2022

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday: 7 p.m. for 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.)

“Does God Work Providentially Today?”

Conclusion

Esther 4:13-14

Strengthened with Adversity

James 1:2-4

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

A Tale of Two Prophets

Why Did All of This Happen?

What Do We Learn?

God Does Not Forget His Own

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

They Will Still Yield Fruit in Old Age

Not All of Us Are Like Moses

An Aged Psalmist Writes

Some Things the Lord Has Said

Services to be Rendered

I Can Do That!

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Be Thou Faithful

Psalm 118:24

Reasons You Can Trust God

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“Get Real”

The Best Seats In The House

Mark 12:38-40

Honor the Presence of an Old Man

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Render Unto Caesar

Augustus (27 B.C. – 14 A.D.)

Tiberius (14-37 A.D.)

Caligula (37-41 A.D.)

Claudius (41-54 A.D.)

Nero (54-68 A.D.)

Galba, Otho, and Vitellius (68-69 A.D.)

Vespasian (69-79 A.D.)

Titus (79-81 A.D.)

Domitian (81-96 A.D.)

Almost Persuaded

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

-1-

Remember Shiloh!

Jeremiah 7:1-7

The False Trust of Judah

Similar False Trust Today

What Would You Do?

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Parables Of The Treasure In The Field And The Pearl Of Great Price

The Gospel Is A Treasure

The Discovery Of The Treasure And Pearl

The Effort To Obtain The Treasure And The Pearl

Conclusion

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“Righteousness Exalts a Nation”

When You Read The Scriptures

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Thankfulness

Thankful

Thanks

Thanksgiving

Persistence and Confidence in Prayer

Big “I”

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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