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The Gospel Observer

July 5, 2020 / 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) Confirmation (Jefferson David Tant)
2) News & Notes
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Confirmation

Jefferson David Tant

“Confirmation” is an important factor in life. We want, and need, things to be confirmed, validated or guaranteed. We want things “signed, sealed and delivered,” as a popular song suggests. Statements in court are to be confirmed with an oath “to tell the truth…” Certain documents may be required to be signed in the presence of a Notary Public, etc.

Confirmation is no less important in the spiritual realm. In the NASB translation, the word “covenant” is used 295 times; “promise,” 104 times; “oath,” 66 times, “vow,” 33 times, and “swear,” three times.

God has also been careful to give us assurance of who he is and what he has promised, so that we can have full confidence in our faith. Paul wrote concerning deacons: “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 3:13).

The point is this: We don’t have to rely on “blind faith,” emotions or guesses. Our faith is based on solid evidence.

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

“Now faith is the title-deed of things hoped for; the putting to the proof of things not seen” (Montgomery’s NT).

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (NKJV).

A building is not fit for occupancy without a firm foundation — that which “stands under.” Thus our faith is a solid foundation, a “sub stance” — that which “stands under” the things for which we hope.

An interesting phrase is seen in one of the prophecies in Daniel 9:27: “And he will make a firm covenant with the many for one week, but in the middle of the week he will put a stop to sacrifice and grain offering; and on the wing of abominations will come one who makes desolate, even until a complete destruction, one that is decreed, is poured out on the one who makes desolate.” While this prophecy deals with the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the cessation of the Jewish system, it is worthy to consider the idea of God making a “firm covenant.” He has done this many times, but now give attention to how God has confirmed the covenant he made with us concerning our salvation.

Christ obviously is a critical part of the fulfillment of that covenant, and one could not ask for a stronger proof or confirmation of the identity of Jesus Christ beyond what has been furnished. Consider how Christ has confirmed the covenant.

By Angels

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord'” (Luke 2:10-11).

“The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying'” (Matt. 28:5-6).

In addition to angels announcing to shepherds the birth of Christ, and to the women who came to the empty tomb, angels also appeared to Mary (Luke 1:26) and Joseph (Matthew 1:20) telling of the birth of Jesus; to Zacharias (Luke 1:11-12) telling of the birth of John, the forerunner of Jesus; and to the soldiers guarding the tomb when Jesus was raised from the dead (Matthew 28:1-4).

By John the Baptist

“The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!'” (John 1:29).

John had no hesitation in proclaiming the identity of Jesus, who also happened to be John’s cousin.

By the Wise Men

“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him'” (Matthew 2:1-2).

What was it that brought these men hundreds of miles to see a baby? How were they led by a particular star? Could it be they were aware of some of the hundreds of prophecies that had been made about the One to come?

By the Saints then Living

“For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, ‘This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased’ — and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain” (II Peter 1:16-18).

There were literally thousands of people who witnessed the miracles and heard the teaching of Christ. They gave living testimony of these events.

By Moses and Elijah

“Six days later Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John his brother, and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them; and His face shone like the sun, and His garments became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.’ While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!'” (Matthew 17:1-5).

While no statement was recorded by Moses and Elijah, it was clear from the voice that spoke out of heaven that these great prophets of old were being superseded by one greater than they. They obviously knew who he was. Peter referred to this in the previous point.

By Certain Pharisees and Jewish Rulers

“Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him'” (John 3:1-2). “Nevertheless many even of the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue” (John 12:42).

Whether they followed him, as Nicodemus may have done, or followed him not, out of fear, they did recognize him for who he was—the Son of God, as he claimed.

By the Demons that Confessed Him

“Demons also were coming out of many, shouting, ‘You are the Son of God!’ But rebuking them, He would not allow them to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ” (Luke 4:41).

When your avowed enemies give testimony on your behalf, you know you are standing on solid ground.

By His Teaching

“Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers” (Luke 2:46-47).

“When Jesus had finished these words, the crowds were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as their scribes” (Matthew 7:28-29).

“The officers then came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, ‘Why did you not bring Him?’ The officers answered, ‘Never has a man spoken the way this man speaks'” (John 7:45-46).

The learned scholars were amazed at the knowledge this 12-year-old boy had (Luke 2). The multitudes that heard Christ teach were impressed, and the soldiers who came to arrest him were intimidated at the authority by which he spoke.

By His Signs and Wonders

“And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ But some of the scribes were sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, ‘Why does this man speak that way? He is blaspheming; who can forgive sins but God alone?’ Immediately Jesus, aware in His spirit that they were reasoning that way within themselves, said to them, ‘Why are you reasoning about these things in your hearts? Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, “Your sins are forgiven”; or to say, “Get up, and pick up your pallet and walk”? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins’ — He said to the paralytic, ‘I say to you, get up, pick up your pallet and go home.’ And he got up and immediately picked up the pallet and went out in the sight of everyone, so that they were all amazed and were glorifying God, saying, ‘We have never seen anything like this'” (Mark 2:5-12).

“Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30-31).

The enemies of Christ could not deny the reality of the miracles. Indeed, the Jewish rulers had to admit that Christ’s disciples performed miracles. “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it” (Acts 4:16).

By His Holy Life

“Which one of you convicts Me of sin? If I speak truth, why do you not believe Me?” (John 8:46).

“For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth” (I Peter 2:21-22).

“Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, and they were not finding any. For many were giving false testimony against Him, but their testimony was not consistent” (Mark 14:55-56).

When Christ was on trial, only by false testimony could his enemies obtain a conviction. He challenged them to cite one wrong deed he had performed, and they could not do so.

By His Enemies

“Now the centurion, and those who were with him keeping guard over Jesus, when they saw the earthquake and the things that were happening, became very frightened and said, ‘Truly this was the Son of God!'” (Matthew 27:54).

One of the calloused soldiers came to recognize the identity of the one he had nailed to the cross.

By a Thief Who Was Being Crucified with Jesus

“‘Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!’ And He said to him, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise'” (Luke 23:42-43).

Even in his extreme pain, this thief was able to recognize who Christ was by observing his behavior.

By His Own Admission

“So the Jews said to Him, ‘You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?’ Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.’ Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him, but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple” (John 8:57-59).

Jesus’ use of the words “I Am” is significant, as this expression is indicative of eternal existence. It is the same phrase Jehovah used in Exodus 3:14, as he is instructing Moses to speak to his people. When Moses asks what he should tell them about who sent him, he is told, “Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”

By His Resurrection and Ascension

“Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1:1-4).

The resurrection of Christ is one of the most provable events of ancient history. No critic has ever been able to refute the overwhelming evidence. Paul cites the fact that over 500 witnesses had seen the resurrected Christ (I Corinthians 15:6), and that most of them were alive at the time of his writing, so their testimony could be checked.

By Prophecy and Its Fulfillment

“Now He said to them, ‘These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled'” (Luke 24:44).

The fact that over 300 prophecies about Christ were each fulfilled to the smallest detail is irrefutable evidence. Some of these prophecies were recorded at least 1,500 years before he was even born. There is absolutely no way this evidence can be discounted or overturned.

By Changed Lives

“Now when they beheld the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).

Discouraged, defeated and fearful disciples suddenly changed into fearless defenders of what they had seen with their own eyes. Men do not give their lives for what they personally know is a lie.

Dear reader, if you have not already confessed your faith in Christ, and given yourself in obedience to God’s will, I pray that the evidence presented will move you to do this with haste. Surely there are none so blind as those who refuse to see.

— Via La Vista church of Christ (La Vista, Nebraska)
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News & Notes

Folks to be praying for:

We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Billy Musgrove who passed away July 1 at only 61 years of age. He had been a native of Coffee County (GA) all his life.

Jamie Cates is recovering from a double-lung transplant, which will require his remaining near the hospital for the next six months.

Deborah Medlock’s 3-needle biopsy revealed that the 1-cm growth detected from a recent mammogram is malignant. She will be seeing her surgeon July 7 to discuss her upcoming surgery.

Tim Kirkland had a heart attack June 21, but is doing better now.

The two epidurals that Doyle Rittenhouse received on July 2 has eliminated much of the pain that he had been having. He is still on a muscle relaxer and pain medicine, but now taking less of each. On July 13, he will be seeing his doctor again. His next two epidurals (the final set) will not be given until he needs them.

Ginger Ann Montero will be seeing a pain doctor tomorrow (Monday) for what appeared from an MRI to be a pinched nerve.

Lanell Montero Dapello is now healing from a broken ankle.

Let us also continue to remember the following in prayer: Elaine Abbott, Ray Daugherty, Rick Cuthbertson, Jim Lively, A.J. & Pat Joyner, James Medlock, Shirley Davis, Rex & Frankie Hadley, and Kerry Williams.
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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 (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, 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

We are currently meeting for only our Sunday 10 a.m. worship service each week, due to the coronavirus situation.

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)

The Gospel Observer

June 28, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Architect’s Blueprint (Jefferson David Tant)
2 News & Notes
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The Architect’s Blueprint

Jefferson David Tant

Let’s say that you want to build a house, so you hire an architect to draw up plans according to your wishes. A builder is then contracted to construct the home as per the architect’s blueprints.

But something happens along the way, as the builder decides he has his own preferences, and so follows the blueprints only when he wants to, and inserts his own ideas when it suits him. Obviously, this will not sit well with you, as he is not following your directions. If you returned from a long journey and found a house completely different than what the blueprints stipulated, you would certainly reject it.

Now, let’s make an application to the church, which is God’s house. No, not the building, but the people, for God “does not dwell in temples made with hands” (Acts 17:24). The apostle Paul declared that “we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building” (I Corinthians 3:9).

Then the question is, does God have a plan, a blueprint or pattern for his church? The writer of Hebrews makes a comparison between the Old and New Covenants in Hebrews 8:5: “Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, ‘See,’ He says, ‘That you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.’” In Exodus 25 and following, God gave very detailed instructions as to the construction of the tabernacle, and he expected Moses to adhere to it.

The point the writer of Hebrews is making is that the New Covenant or Testament is superior to the Old, and thus Christ is High Priest over a superior covenant. Now, if the church (God’s present place of dwelling) is superior to the tabernacle in the Old Testament (representing God’s presence with Israel), then why should we regard as any less important the plans for the church than the plans for the tabernacle?

Go back to Paul’s statement in I Corinthians 3:9-11: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” We certainly recognize that a structure must follow the lines of the foundation. If the builder does not follow the lines of the foundation, obviously the structure will fall. One of the heroes in the Hall of Fame of Faith is Abraham. “By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise, for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10).

Obviously the writer of Hebrews understood the correlation between the architect, builder, and the foundations upon which the structure stands. In a spiritual sense, he referred to heaven in these terms. And Paul used the same language with respect to the church. Did not Jesus make a promise: “I will build my church”? (Matthew 16:18).

Where do we go to find the architect’s blueprint for the church? Obviously, we must consult the New Testament, wherein we find instructions God has given us for his church. The plan is clear, and those who wish to follow the plans should have no trouble in understanding them. When we compare the plans God has given with what men have built, we find a great difference.

The Leaders in the Church

The Bible

Among the leaders are men who are called elders-presbyters/bishops-overseers/pastors-shepherds. These terms are all applied to the same men, and refer to different aspects of their function. (See Acts 20:17, 28, where all three terms are applied to the same men.)

We note that Paul appointed “elders” (plural) in the churches (Acts 14:23), and we never find a case of a single elder/pastor over a church. Furthermore, the term “pastor” in the Bible does not refer to the one who is the “preacher.” That is a different function.

The qualifications for these men are given in I Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:5-9. Note that these are to be married men who have believing children, and who lead godly lives. In addition, they must have a good knowledge of God’s Word.

The churches of men

Not many churches of men pay any attention to the Biblical qualifications. More and more churches are ordaining women as pastors, and there seems to be no stipulation that pastors must be married, or be old enough to have believing children. Furthermore, the common practice is for a church to have one pastor, rather than the plurality that we find in God’s blueprint. Besides, in God’s plan, the pastor and the preacher are two separate functions. God certainly had a reason for not including a “one-man-rule” plan in his blueprint.

Conclusion

Will God accept a church that has not followed his plan in this area? Certainly not. Why do we think man’s wisdom is greater than God’s wisdom? Remember, Paul admonished us to “be careful how we build.”

The Worship of the Church

The Bible

The examples we find in the New Testament are very clear and easy to understand. The Christians came together to:

1) Be instructed in the Word of God (Acts 5:42; 20:7, etc).

2) Partake of the Lord’s Supper each first day of the week (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 11:23-29). (Early church writers and historians agree that the church met every Sunday to observe this memorial.)

3) To sing hymns of praise and encouragement. Their singing was vocal, without instruments of music, and congregational, as all sang together (Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 3:16). (Once again historical writers are in total agreement that it was hundreds of years before any instrumental accompaniment was introduced.)

4) To make a contribution from their resources to carry on the responsibilities of the church on the first day of the week (I Corinthians 16:2).

5) To make petitions to God for their needs and to express thanksgiving (I Timothy 2:1-2; Acts 12:12, etc.).

The churches of men

In four of the five aforementioned items, we find churches not respecting the pattern God has given.

1) In addition to teaching God’s word (and in some churches very little of that is taught), we find churches offering classes in how to care for your horse, furniture repair work-shops, sewing classes, auto care clinics and you name it, and you will probably find some church practicing it.

2) With respect to the Lord’s Supper, there are many variations. As opposed to the early church’s practice of partaking every first day, we find denominations taking it every day, once a month, once a quarter, once a year, and some do not take it at all. And not only do some deviate from the Bible pattern of unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, I know of some who have used potato chips and Coke, and who knows what else.

3) Orchestras, bands and all sorts of musical instruments and dancing are added. Many have told me that this is great entertainment. I have been to denominations where the music is so loud that it is deafening (it gave me a headache), and it has been accompanied with suggestive dancing. In churches I have visited, audience participation is limited because the choir does much of the singing, or the music is so loud that it drowns out what the audience attempts to do.

4) Churches of men have been very inventive when it comes to raising money. Door to door soliciting, bake sales, rummage sales, selling merchandise, taking collections week-nights or every time the church meets, charging for various classes, selling investment portfolios, etc.

5) The only departure that might be observed in prayers would be in the fact that in some churches women may lead in prayer in the assembly or class when men are present, even though the Bible forbids women from taking a leading part in such gatherings. “Let a woman learn in quietness with all subjection. But I permit not a woman to teach, nor to have dominion over a man, but to be in quietness” (I Timothy 2:11-12; cf. I Corinthians 14:34). This also precludes a woman from being a pastor or preacher.

Conclusion

Why do men think their way of worshiping God is better than the way God has given? Are men to worship to please themselves, or should they accept what God wants? I had a woman tell me she could never give up what her church was doing, because she liked it so much. Peter writes that we, “as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (I Peter 2:5).

How “acceptable” would it be for me to buy a chainsaw for my wife’s birthday because it pleased me? I guess that would be as acceptable as her buying me some earrings because they were really pretty, and they pleased her.

The Organization of the Church

The Bible

In reading through the New Testament, we find the pattern of local, independent churches that are autonomous, with no hierarchy or organizational structure other than the local church. They were bound together only inasmuch as the individual Christians are family members — brothers and sisters in the family of God, which is the church or body of Christ. Each local congregation was led by those who were called elders/shepherds/pastors.

Peter instructed the elders to “Tend the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God; nor yet for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind” [my emphasis] (I Peter 5:2).

The churches of men

Most every denomination has some organizational structure or government, whether it be synods, a pope, conventions, area bishops, a president, or any number of different arrangements. But history has shown that often the leadership is far more liberal than the members in the pews, and this presents problems. Evidently in God’s wisdom, he wanted each local congregation to be independent and self-sustaining.

To illustrate the point, suppose I have a single-pane large window in my den, and my children are playing ball in the yard. Then an errant ball comes crashing through my window, and the whole thing is destroyed. But suppose that same opening was composed of 12 smaller individual panes. That errant ball then destroys only one pane, not the whole structure.

Making an application to the denominational governmental structures, if there is some error in the leadership, it affects the whole denomination, and I have seen this happen time and again. But if every local church is independent and self-governing, then whenever some local church goes off track, it does not affect other churches. Surely God’s wisdom can be seen in the pattern he set for us.

The Names that Are Worn

The Bible

There are various names by which God’s people are identified in the Bible. Notice a few of them. The church, God’s people, is called the “kingdom of God,” in Romans 14:17 and other places. Christ is king, and we are citizens of the kingdom. Another name given is “church of God” (I Corinthians 1:2). “Church” is from “ekklesia,” and basically means “called out,” thus those who are “called out of the world that belong to God.” The church is also referred to as the “bride” (Revelation 21:9). In this, the church is married to Christ, and thus takes his name, as it is also called the “church of Christ” (Romans 16:16). Another term is the “household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). In this family picture, we know God is our father, Christ is our older brother, and we are God’s children. God saw fit to use these, and other terms, to describe his church, his people. They all refer to the same spiritual body, but emphasize different characteristics of it.

The churches of men

Men have been very inventive in coming up with their own names. Examples: The Church of Daniel’s Band, The Church of Gloom, Two Seed in the Spirit Baptist Church, The Nudist Christian Church of the Blessed Virgin Jesus, Holy Ghost Repair Service.

While the foregoing names might bring a chuckle, in one sense they are no different than traditional denominational names — Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, and on into infinity, considering there are some 32,000 different denominations in the United States. These names are all the inventions of the imaginations of men. Why are the designations given by the Divine Architect not suitable?

Suppose I wanted to erect a memorial to one of my grandfathers, Lorenzo Antonio Gotto. I draw up the plans and give them to a builder. He then completes the monument, and takes me out to see the completed monument. The inscription says, “In memory of Margaret Thatcher.” Would I accept it? Will God accept the names men have invented to give to that which is built as a memorial to his Son? Why can we not be satisfied with God’s blueprint?

God’s Plan of Salvation

The Bible

God’s Word gives very clear directions as to how one obtains forgiveness of sins and becomes a part of God’s family—the church.

1) Obviously, hearing the gospel is the beginning, as is seen in Romans 10:14, for this is the beginning of…

2) Faith, without which, one cannot come to God (Hebrews 11:6). This faith is not only a belief in God, but a belief in God’s grace, knowing that we do not deserve, nor can we earn salvation merely through good works. “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1-2).

3) Repentance, for we cannot continue to live in and for the world if we want to live in a relationship with Christ (Luke 13:3).

4) The confession of our faith is a part of this process, as we are to “confess with our mouth Jesus as Lord” (Romans 10:9).

5) Baptism for the remission of sins. This baptism is an immersion in water, as all authorities in the New Testament language of Greek agree that the word “baptidzo” means to “dip, plunge, immerse.” Its purpose is at least three-fold.

a) It is associated with the removal of sins, for God promises his grace to take away our sins when we comply with his teaching. “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16). Then we find Ananias giving instruction to Saul of Tarsus in Acts 22:16: “Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.”

b) Baptism is associated with our entrance into Christ, into his body. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

c) Baptism makes us partakers of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death? Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin” (Romans 6:3-6). The picture Paul gives is that of putting to death our sinful life by burying it, and then we are raised from that watery grave to a new life.

Note that in the passages cited baptism precedes, goes before salvation and the washing away of sins. Furthermore, since Galatians 3:27 states that we are baptized into Christ, how is it that some teach we are saved before baptism? Are we then saved outside of a relationship with Christ? Who can believe it? Some claim that we are saved before baptism, but the Scriptures show otherwise.

6) A sixth element in our salvation is a life of faithful service. It’s not like buying a ticket to get on the train. Once you’re on, you don’t have to do anything else but sit down and enjoy the ride. Our Lord urged us to “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10).

The churches of men

Basically, many denominations have just one step in their plan of salvation. A direct quote from two prominent denominational creed books says, “Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.” Many other denominations say the same thing, only phrased differently.

What is wrong with such a statement? For one thing, it excludes repentance. “Oh, but the Bible says we must repent of our sins,” is the reply. Then it is not faith only! “Only” is an exclusive and excluding word. If I am buying a plane ticket to Timbuktu, and I tell the agent that I am the only one flying, I am not expected to show up with my wife and children. Anyone can understand that.

To be honest, it must be admitted that the words “faith” and “only” do appear together in the Bible. That is in James 2:24: “You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith only.” It is not that our works save us, but James clearly states that it is an obedient faith that accompanies salvation. Peter confirms this in I Peter 3:21: “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you–not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience–through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” In the preceding verse, Peter mentions Noah’s salvation by water, and compared that to the matter of baptism.

With respect to baptism, there are other ideas of men that confuse and contradict. Some denominations sprinkle water on the subject, while others pour water. One church has been said to sprinkle rose petals. Then other denominations have eliminated baptism altogether. Some have baptisms once a year, while others may schedule a baptism every few months, whereas in the Bible baptism takes place as soon as a person is told what to do.

Some baptize babies, and some even will baptize those who are dead, while some baptize living persons for dead people. The question is, who gave these churches the right to change the blueprints? If Christ is our Savior, then doesn’t he have the right to set the terms?

What Happens When We Change the Blueprints?

Our Lord had to deal with many in his day who “changed the blueprints.” Time and time again he rebuked the religious leaders among the Jews. Note carefully what he said in Matthew 7:21-23. “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.’”

What was the problem? These were people who called Jesus “Lord,” and who were religious people doing many good things. A key word in the passage is the last one cited — “lawlessness.” Strong’s Greek Dictionary defines this as “illegality, i.e. violation of law…” The word in Greek is “anomia.”“Nomia” is “law,” and the alpha preceding it negates the meaning. We do the same with “un.” We speak of something that is “lawful,” but when we put the “un” in front of it, we make the meaning negative.

And so it was with those to whom Christ referred. While they may have been doing things that were good in their own way of thinking, they were actually practicing things that were “unlawful, without law.” Simply put, they were doing things that were “without authority.” (Well, actually there was some authority—their authority!)

Much could be said about the matter of authority, but we will be brief. Paul instructed the church at Colossae in these words: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord” (Colossians 3:17). “In the name of the Lord” signifies the need for authority. Thus in “word,” our teaching, or “deed,” our practice, we need to find a “thus sayeth the Lord.” If we cannot do so, then we are acting on our own authority, and we find ourselves in the same situation as those in Matthew 7:21-23.

Consider also our Lord’s words concerning the religious leaders of his day: “But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:9). When I read the creed books, the church manuals, the catechisms, etc., of the various denominations, I am not reading the Word of God, I am reading the doctrines of men! This presents a real problem, since truth does not contradict itself. These books not only contradict the Bible many times, but they also contradict one another. And what is the ultimate result? “But he answered and said, Every plant which my heavenly Father planted not, shall be rooted up” (Matthew 15:13). God says that those religious groups that follow the precepts of men shall be rooted up. God will not accept them. I didn’t say it. God did!

I remember having a discussion with a friend on baptism, as to whether it should be by immersion or by sprinkling (as his church practiced). He did not deny the evidence I presented which clearly showed immersion was the Biblical practice. But he dismissed the whole matter by declaring, “I don’t think it makes any difference.” Well, it may have made no difference to him, but the question is, “Does it make any difference to God?” We have the story of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3, as they came to offer sacrifices to God. “Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘It is what the LORD spoke, saying, “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored.”‘ So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.”

Consider the fact that they believed in God, and were worshiping God. But in doing so they were roasted alive. Why? Because they did not follow the blueprint,the pattern that God had given. They offered “strange fire,” which the LORD “had not commanded them.” They had no authority for what they had done. I am quite sure they must have thought, as my friend thought, “I don’t think it makes any difference.” When Nadab and Abihu did what they wanted rather than what God wanted, the text says they neither honored God nor treated him as holy. Is is any different today?

Question: Must one believe the Catholic Catechism, the “blueprint” for the Catholic Church, in order to go to heaven? Must one believe the Methodist Discipline to go to heaven? Must one believe the Baptist Manual to go to heaven? Must one believe the Book of Mormon to go to heaven? Must one believe the Bible, God’s “blueprint,” in order to go to heaven? You know the answer! God gave the perfect blueprint, so why do we need other books of laws and regulations? If God’s book was good enough for Christians in the first century, why isn’t it good enough for us today?

In closing, consider a clear example of changing the blueprint. Following is a quote from Hiscox Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, page 22: “Church Membership” – “It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but ‘one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,’ and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church…In that sense, ‘baptism was the door into the church.’ Now, it is different; and while the churches are desirous of receiving members, they are wary and cautious that they do not receive unworthy persons. The churches therefore have candidates come before them, make their statement, give their ‘experience,’ and then their reception is decided by a vote of the members. And while they cannot become members without baptism, yet it is the vote of the body which admits them to its fellowship on receiving baptism.”

Did you notice the words, “Now, it is different”? If that’s not a clear case of changing the blueprint, then I don’t know what would be.

God will not recognize those who refuse to follow the blueprints, who have no regard for the pattern given in God’s Word, no matter how much good they think they are doing. What do you think would have happened to Moses if he had decided to alter God’s design for the tabernacle?

Search the Scriptures! Follow the blueprints! We must know for ourselves what the architect’s plans are, and not just depend on what others tell us. The apostle Paul commended the people of Berea for doing just that. “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Our salvation is too important for us to just depend on what some preacher/pastor/priest tells us. We must know for ourselves.

You remember the passage in Hebrews 11 about Abraham “looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:9-10). Suppose that when Abraham arrived in that heavenly city he began to look around and decided that he didn’t like the way things were laid out. So he set out to change the architecture. How well do you think that would have gone over? Obviously, we know that would not happen. But it happens over and over when men tamper with God’s pattern for the church.

Some years ago, our family took in a troubled teen who had to be away from her family. My wife showed Emily her room, and then my wife went to do other things. In a few minutes there came the sound of thuds, bangs and scrapes from Emily’s room. When my wife went to see what was going on, Emily was moving every stick of furniture in the room. “Well, gag, I didn’t like it the way it was.” We wonder if that’s the attitude men have when they change everything in the Lord’s church to suit themselves. My wife didn’t appreciate Emily’s lack of respect for what we had provided. And we can be sure that God does not appreciate the lack of respect men show for what he has provided.

My question to those who practice or believe things I cannot find in the Word of God is simply this, “Where is the scripture? Please give me book, chapter and verse.” Without that, I cannot accept it. And neither should you.

— Via the La Vista church of Christ, Omaha, Nebraska
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-2-

News & Notes

Folks to be praying for:

Jamie Cates is recovering from a double-lung transplant, which will require his remaining near the hospital for the next six months.

Joyce Rittenhouse’s brother will be having his heart surgery July 7, which will involve two surgeons, and will also have a second surgery on July 8 with two surgeons. A 6″ Gore-Tex graft will be inserted into his heart’s main artery, and other procedures will also be performed.

James Medlock came home from the hospital Friday. They eliminated the fluid in his left lung, which was caused by the pneumonia. But they said that he would be having other fluid problems, due to his heart value not functioning properly. That was actually the reason why he went into the hospital on April 7 (spent 6 days there) and then was transferred to the nursing home for 21 days. It was fluid build-up because of that bad heart valve. For that reason, James has to be weighed every morning; and if his weight has gone up 5 pounds or more from the previous time, he then needs to be taken to the hospital. Since James has difficulty in standing on a regular scale, the Medlocks have contacted the hospital about getting the type of scale that will work with the hospital bed they have for James in their home. It will show the person’s weight while he is still in bed. The result of the testing they did on James for covid-19, while in the hospital, showed to be negative.

Things went smoothly for Deborah Medlock Friday with her 3-needle biopsy. To keep her from feeling any pain, they put her to sleep for what was probably about a 20-to-30-minute procedure. She should hear the results this Tuesday at her follow-up.

Following the two epidurals that Doyle Rittenhouse recently received, he will also be given two more on July 2. Then, about a week afterwards, if these have still not solved his problem, he will receive two more. So far, his condition has only become worse. The epidurals have not been eliminating his back pain. If that continues to be the case through all three sessions, the next step will then be the spacer-surgery for his spine.

Ginger Ann Montero’s MRI last week showed a possible pinched nerve that she will be seeing a pain doctor for this week.

Joyce Rittenhouse is glad to have eliminated a painful kidney stone, about 2:30 a.m. Thursday, that had been lodged in her bladder. She is now back on antibiotics.

Lanell Montero Dapello is now healing from a broken ankle.

I’m glad to say that we now have a new sister in the Lord! Tina Allen was baptized Wednesday evening into Christ (Gal. 3:27), where there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1), to have all of her sins blotted out by the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18-19; Eph. 1:7). She had repented of all her transgressions (Luke 13:5), acknowledged her faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38), was immersed in water as a sinner and came up as a saint through faith in the working of God (Col. 2:12; 1 Cor. 14:33) and now has that new life in Christ Jesus (Rom. 6:3-4; 2 Cor. 5:17) with all her sins washed away (Acts 22:16) and brought into that saved relationship with our loving and merciful heavenly Father (Mark 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 John 3:1-3) that is enjoyed in the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Col. 1:13), which is also referred to as the church (Col. 1:18) and the body of Christ (Eph. 4:12). And all the angels in heaven are also rejoicing! (Luke 15:10). Let us pray for Tina’s spiritual development, that she will continue to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18, NASB).

Let us also continue to remember the following in prayer: Elaine Abbott, Ray Daugherty, Rick Cuthbertson, Jim Lively, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Shirley Davis, Rex & Frankie Hadley, and Kerry Williams.
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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 (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, 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

We are currently meeting for only our Sunday 10 a.m. worship service each week, due to the coronavirus situation.

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)

The Gospel Observer

June 21, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Maintaining Godliness During Difficult Times (Tom Edwards)
2) News & Notes
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-1-

Maintaining Godliness During Difficult Times

Tom Edwards

Due to a false accusation made against him by Potiphar’s wife (Gen. 39:7-20), Joseph, as an innocent man, spent two years in prison for a crime he had not committed (Gen. 41:1, 8,14-15). His confinement in that dungeon would have been longer had he not interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and his chief baker — fellow prisoners (Gen. 40:2-3, 8-13).

Joseph told the cupbearer that his dream meant that Pharaoh would release him from prison in three days and restore him to his former position as the king’s chief cupbearer. Joseph then asked just one thing of him: “Only keep me in mind when it goes well with you, and please do me a kindness by mentioning me to Pharaoh and get me out of this place. For I was in fact kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing that they should have put me into the dungeon” (vv. 14-15).

The interpretation of the dream came to pass, just as Joseph said it would. The cupbearer was set free and resumed his former service to the king — but, unfortunately, he “did not remember Joseph, but forgot him” (v. 23).

At the end of two full years of Joseph’s imprisonment, Pharaoh had two dreams which troubled him — dreams which none of his wise men nor magicians could interpret (Gen. 41:1-8). So it was finally then when the chief cupbearer remembered Joseph and spoke to Pharaoh about him (Gen. 41:9-14).

While in prison, Joseph remained true and faithful to God — even when “They afflicted his feet with fetters” and “He himself was laid in irons” (Psa. 105:18). So God was with Joseph, blessed him, and “extended kindness to him, and gave him favor in the sight of the chief jailer” who, in turn, “committed to Joseph’s charge all the prisoners who were in the jail; so that whatever was done there, he was responsible for it. The chief jailer did not supervise anything under Joseph’s charge because the LORD was with him, and whatever he did, the LORD made to prosper” (Gen. 39:21-23).

What a wonderful lesson we see in this of one who kept his faith in God and devotion toward Him even after suffering unjustly for something he did not do. It would probably appear to many that Joseph, in his dungeon-circumstance (Gen. 41:14), had reason to complain, to be embittered, to be hateful, to be filled with rage, to lash out, to rebel and lose faith — but he did not. And because of his continual, loyal commitment to God, the Lord blessed Joseph.

We who are Christians need to also be that same way. For to those saints who were undergoing not just some difficulties but the extremes of a “fiery ordeal,” Peter exhorted to “keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name” (1 Pet. 1:12-16).

It was also Peter, in this same epistle, who encouraged the brethren to “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:12).

We need to, therefore, always strive to set forth the right example. And Peter also has more to say about that behavior we are to maintain and why:

“For,
He that would love life,
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips that they speak no guile:
And let him turn away from evil, and do good;
Let him seek peace, and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous,
And his ears unto their supplication:
But the face of the Lord is upon [against, NASB] them that do evil” (1 Pet. 3:10-12, ASV).

As Christians we are to be different from the world because of our special relationship with God, as Peter shows in 1 Peter 2:9-10: “But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF God; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.”

In Psalm 105, one of the historical psalms, we read more about Joseph in verses 16-25. There it states that it was God who had “sent a man before them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave” (v. 17).

In reading the account of Joseph’s betrayal by his own jealous and enraged brothers (Gen. 37:11) who increased in their hatred toward him (Gen. 37:4, 8); would have killed him had it not been for Reuben (vv. 18,20,21); and later listened to the advice of Judah, who also thought it not wise to murder their brother, but instead to sell him into slavery for twenty shekels of silver (vv. 26-28); it would certainly not appear that God had anything at all to do with such cold-hearted and evil acts. And He did not — in the sense of actually causing it. But in the case of Joseph, we see that God can even use the wicked and sinful dealings of others, which He is not responsible for, to bring about His will through His divine providence.

As we think of God being able to use such evil and wickedness of men, how this very much parallels with the unjust treatment and atrocities inflicted upon God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and what that all led to. For it was not God, but it was the envious religious leaders who stirred up the multitude into demanding the death of Jesus (Mark 15:10-13; John 19:14-15). Were any of these, who were crying out for His blood, part of that crowd a week earlier who praised the Lord as He entered the city of Jerusalem, riding on a donkey? That is spoken of as being “His triumphal entry.” For then, they were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David; BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD; Hosanna in the highest!” (Matt. 21:9). But had they so quickly and wrongfully changed their tune just one week later?

We who praise the name of the Lord now, as our Lord and Savior, must still be on guard against temptations, lest we be lured into that broad and wrongful way that the majority of this world are following to destruction — instead of remaining true on that narrow and less traveled way that leads to eternal life in heaven above (Matt. 7:13-14). For our allegiance can be easily switched from God to the evil things of this world, if we are not careful. “Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).

Jesus knew of the pain and suffering He would have to undergo to make an atonement for the sins of the world. He knew He would be lied about, mocked, physically and severely mistreated, and eventually nailed to a cross where he would writhe in anguish and intense pain. However, none of that evil inflicted on Him was caused by God — but it was used by God. For Jesus knew that He had to die for the sins of the world; and, therefore, remained silent before His accusers, as seen in Isaiah’s prophesy of the Christ:

“He was oppressed and He was afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth” (Isa. 53:7).

Jesus did not try to defend Himself in word or action to avoid the cross — nor did He want His apostles to prevent or rescue Him from that agony to come, nor the twelve legions of angels to do so (Matt. 16:21-23; Matt. 26:52-54; John 18:10-11, 36). So while going through the mock trials and the terrible scourging, He was intent on going to the cross in order to make a way of salvation possible for every lost soul by His atoning death — even for the very ones who hated and persecuted Him (Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:2). Jesus could see that every evil treatment inflicted upon Him was now leading up to that. So He willingly submitted (John 10:14-15, 17-18) and did the most needful thing for this world that no one else would ever have been able to do. For “there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). Jesus’ atonement was for every sinner that has ever lived or ever shall live.

And from that worst evil that the world could ever show in wickedly and unjustifiably putting to death God’s Perfect Son Jesus, God also providentially used that to show to the world His far surpassing love in the greatest way possible: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16). “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [atonement] for our sins” (1 John 4:10). “For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).

Joseph realized, too, that even the evil that befell him was being used by God in His divine providence. For when revealing himself to his brothers many years after their betrayal of him, he assured them by saying: “Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life” (Gen. 45:5). “Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt” (v. 8). Joseph also later said to them, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Gen. 50:20-21).

The story of Joseph very much reminds us of how Jesus was treated. For it was much evil that led to His crucifixion. As noted earlier, it was envy (Mark 15:10); an intense desire for His death (Mark 15:12-14); and a perversion of justice in crying out for the release of the murderer and insurrectionist, Barabbas, while demanding that Jesus, the innocent One, be crucified (Mark 15:6-15). Peter states that the Lord was “nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put to death.” Yet that same verse also shows that Jesus was “delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23). Again, God did not directly cause it; but He could still use these terrible doings in bringing about His will through divine providence. For God sent His Son into our world “when the fullness of the time came” (Gal. 4:4), which means “the destined or appointed time”; and “at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Rom. 5:5). These events took place when God wanted them to.

What terrible things were inflicted upon Joseph — the betrayal of his jealous brothers, their increasing hatred toward him, their murderous hearts toward him, their selling him into slavery for twenty shekels of silver, and his confinement for two years in a dungeon because of a false and malicious charge made against him. But let us remember and never forget how Joseph dealt with those situations. He did not become embittered, irrational, throwing fits, hateful, lashing out verbally and physically; but, instead, he maintained his faith in God and devotion to Him.

And we can certainly say the same of Jesus who suffered to an even more intense degree. Yet, what was one of the last things He prayed while on that cross in extreme agony and being reviled and mocked by some of the onlookers? He prayed, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

What about injustice, ill-treatment, and adversity in our time? How do we react when these things happen to us? Is it how we should react? Is it the way God wants us to react? Are we manifesting a Christ-like spirit? Or are we showing that we are no longer listening to God (if we ever had before)? We, who are Christians, need to always maintain a godly composure — even when undergoing difficult trials — to be like Joseph, to be more like Jesus, to always strive to be pleasing to our Father in heaven.

We should also remember that “this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this find favor with God” (1 Pet. 2:19-20).

And “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12).

There are certainly many other Bible examples that could be cited, such as the apostles who after they had been beaten and imprisoned for preaching the gospel, continued to do the same preaching after being released and were “rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41). Or those believers who, when persecuted, were able to “accept joyfully” the seizure of their property because they knew that they had “a better possession and a lasting one” in eternal glory with God in heaven — and of which no man could take from them (Heb. 10:34).

Having our priorities right by putting God first (Matt. 6:33) and focusing on the spiritual above the physical (Col. 3:1-3), and the eternal above the temporary (Col. 4:16-18), will help us in striving to maintain godliness — even when undergoing difficult times. So may we ever look to the Lord by looking to His word and faithfully submitting to Him by applying His word in our lives — and continue to do so — come what may! For His word is the word of eternal salvation!

— All Scripture from the New American Standard Bible, unless otherwise indicated.

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-2-

News & Notes

Folks to be praying for:

Pat Joyner has requested prayer for her daughter’s brother-in-law, Jamie Cates, who recently had a double lung transplant and is still in the hospital — and, even after being released, will have to remain near it for the next six months. Pat says that “He is progressing ok, but is still not out of the woods yet.”

A.J. Joyner and his wife Pat are not allowed to go out at this time. He is still having trouble with a sinus infection, arthritis, and a bad knee. And Pat has autoimmune diseases, COPD, scarring of her lungs, and other health issues.

Cheryl Corbitt is feeling better, though she still becomes a little fatigued when trying to do too much. We are glad and thankful that her test result yesterday for covid-19 came back negative. Her family is also doing well. The test results for those who had covid-19 at the nursing home, whom Cheryl had asked us to pray for, also came back negative.

Deborah Medlock’s three-needle biopsy was rescheduled for June 26, due to a surgery that has come up for someone else. Her follow-up will then be on the 30th, when she will then hear the results. Even if the growth is benign, Deborah will probably go ahead with chemo or radiation treatments if recommended by her doctor.

Doyle Rittenhouse had two epidurals last week, but they did not alleviate his pain. Actually, it has been getting worse, which has him not sleeping well. He will be having a telephone conference with his doctor tomorrow and will probably be having the spacer-surgery for his spine in the next couple weeks. The stitches were removed from where they cut out the abnormal growth, but the biopsy of that area has not yet come back.

Ginger Ann Montero has been experiencing pain, which seems to be caused by a pinched nerve. She will be seeing her doctor tomorrow.

Rex Hadley has two ballooned discs that are causing pain to his leg. He had been given an epidural, but it did not give him much relief.

Frankie Hadley’s health has not improved, and she remains very fragile.

Joyce Rittenhouse is feeling better every day; but her legs are weak and shaky when standing, due to having been bedridden for several days, and which will take about a month to regain her strength. She says “Hey” to all the members, misses us, and wishes she could be at the services — but her immune system has also been decreased, so her doctor has advised her not to go out. She is also on a new type of medication that will help her not to form the many stones that she had been having over the last several months, and also a new insulin that won’t lead to some of the other problems she was having with the previous one. So she is glad for these things.

Joyce’s brother is still waiting for the 6″ Gore-Tex graft to be made, and which will then be installed into his heart’s main artery. Other procedures will also be performed. So it will be two surgeries, on two consecutive days, that will each be performed by two surgeons. In the meanwhile, they are keeping his blood pressure low.

Ronnie Davis has been having some problems with allergies.

Let us also continue to remember the following in prayer: Elaine Abbott, Ray Daugherty, Rick Cuthbertson, Jim Lively, Shirley Davis, and Kerry Williams.
——————–

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 (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, 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

We are currently meeting for only our Sunday 10 a.m. worship service each week, due to the coronavirus situation.

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)

The Gospel Observer

June 14, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Language: From the Tower of Babel to the Day of Pentecost (Randy Blackaby)
2) Endure to the End! (Wayne Goff)
3) Beyond Our Greatest Dream (Tom Edwards)
4) News & Notes
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Language: From the Tower of Babel to the Day of Pentecost

Randy Blackaby

The Bible records that following the Great Flood the descendants of Noah attempted to build a city and a tower “whose top may reach unto heaven” (Gen. 11:1-9). God saw this effort and that it could be achieved. So he confounded the language of the people, forcing them to stop the construction and scatter over the earth.

What is the message and lesson of this historic text? Is it simply to explain how multiple languages developed? Was God genuinely concerned that men would build a tower that would invade the divine habitation?

Let’s look more closely. These men in Shinar (ancient Babylon — Dan. 1:1-2) wanted to build a city and a tower. There seems nothing inherently wrong in that alone. The Bible says they wanted to construct it so its top might reach unto heaven or, as other translations say, “into the heavens.”

God thought that without intervention “nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them.” It hardly seems likely that God feared men could build a brick tower all the way to heaven itself.

We must look more closely to see what the real sin at Babel involved. God had told Noah, after the Flood, to “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Gen. 9:1).

The people at Babel wanted to build a city and a tower, to make a name for themselves, and to prevent being scattered over the earth. Whereas God had given command to replenish the whole earth, these people were attempting to thwart God’s plan and develop a name for themselves at the same time. God had destroyed sinners in the Flood but not sin. The common elements of sin were present at Babel — human pride and rebellion.

So, God caused a division among the people by confounding their language so they couldn’t communicate. He did so because they had a unity of purpose in rebellion and this was propelling them toward the exact same conditions that existed immediately prior to the Flood.

By this means, Noah’s descendants were scattered over the face of the earth, just as God had initially commanded.

The site of the rebellion became known as Babel, which means “confusion.” Notice that Babel is the root of the name Babylon, which became synonymous with opposition to God from the time of the prophet Daniel to John’s writing of the Revelation.

Parallels Today

God has told the saved today to be fruitful, multiply and spread the gospel into the whole world (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). When human pride drives us to build monuments to ourselves instead of to God, we repeat the sin of Babel.

When instead of being spiritually fruitful we try to build our own material security, we repeat the infidelity of Babel.

When we refuse to hear God’s word, he sends us strong delusion — or a confusion like he sent to Babel.

When men get full of human pride, confusion always results. We live today in a world of religious “babble.” Only the spelling has changed.

What can reunite men and end the religious confusion? Simply listening to God and obeying his commands.

God once caused rebellious men to lose their ability to communicate. But after Jesus died on the cross, God did something equally phenomenal. He gave the apostles the power to speak in the languages of all the people assembled on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:5-12). The language barrier was dropped for a brief time so that God’s message of salvation could be heard with utter clarity. The miracles of “speaking in tongues” evidenced God’s presence and power just as the confusion of tongues had done centuries before.

Babel forever represents the confusion and division of humankind; but Zion, the city of God, the church, draws men and women of every language, color, culture, and nationality into a kingdom where there is neither Greek nor Jew, bond or free, but where all are one in Christ Jesus.

— Via Truth Magazine Vol. XLIV: 23 p5 December 7, 2000
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Endure to the End!

Wayne Goff

One of the necessary qualities of anyone who will be eternally saved is endurance. It is also a quality woefully lacking in many people today. Perhaps in our modern, fast-paced society we do not instill in the hearts of our children the concept of endurance, of sticking it out, of finishing the task at hand. When our children began something at school, especially extra-curricular activities, we only asked them to finish what they started. If they didn’t like something, they still had to finish it out.

In Matthew 10:22, Jesus sends out the Twelve with miraculous power to the Israelites only (“Limited Commission”). He gives them very detailed instructions as to how they were to go into a community, preach and be received. He even tells them that eventually they will be delivered up to governors and kings for His sake. They were not to worry about what they said because the Holy Spirit would tell them what they should say on that occasion. He concludes His remarks to them by saying, “And you will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

On another occasion, Jesus is giving instructions to the apostles again about the coming destruction of Jerusalem which would take place in 70 A.D. He tells all of His disciples to watch for the signs of that coming destruction and to run away from Jerusalem when those signs appeared. The evilness of Israel was described with these words: “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures to the end shall be saved”(Matthew 24:12-13). Jesus expects His followers to be faithful to Him even when the entire country, or society, they live in turns to wickedness!

The apostle Paul commends those who conscientiously serve Jesus “by patient continuance in doing good” (Romans 2:7). And again in Hebrews 3:6 we read, “…whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Will you do it?

— Via Roanridge Reader, Volume 35, Issue 83, Page 1, February 23, 2020
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-3-

Beyond Our Greatest Dream

Tom Edwards

Right before waking up this morning, I heard in a dream my Aunt Margaret singing so beautifully that it brought tears to my eyes (at least in the dream). Every note and modulation sounded perfect. I don’t remember any of the words, but they all made sense while listening; and the melody was something I don’t think I had ever heard before. It wasn’t rock, pop, or country. It sounded more like opera. And though I’m usually not that much into opera, what she sang moved me in a way similar to hearing a great female singer performing Puccini’s “O Mio Babbino Caro.”

Isn’t it amazing what the mind can imagine and do! And some of what it does is performed automatically — without a conscious effort on our part! We each have been wonderfully made!

But no matter how greatly we can dream or imagine a most beautiful thing, yet that still falls short of the blissful reality and experience that awaits the child of God in heaven! For as Paul writes in Ephesians 3:20, God is one “who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think…”

This is why I view the forgiveness of sins as being the greatest blessing one can ever have while on earth. For it brings one into a loving relationship with God that will ultimately be fulfilled — and so much more so — in that perfect and timeless realm called heaven, which human words can not even come close to describing! Oh, how wonderful heaven will be!

— posted on my facebook site May18, 2020

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-4-

News & Notes

Cheryl Corbitt continues to heal. Her fever has been gone for more than a week, and they called her back into work yesterday. She will also have to work today, but will then have the next two days off. She will need that. She mentioned yesterday that after working again, the fatigue that she thought was gone had come back, due to not being 100% recovered. But there is also another worker helping out to lighten the load. Let us also continue to remember in prayer all those at the nursing home whom Cheryl would like us praying for and those in the hospital.

The abnormality that showed up in Deborah Medlock’s mammogram is a nodule 3 cm (1.18 inches). She will be seeing her surgeon about this Tuesday to see what her next step will be and will either have a needle biopsy then or at another appointed time.

Rex Hadley has two ballooned discs that are causing pain to his leg. He had been given an epidural, but it did not give him much relief. He will be having another one on the 17th.

Frankie Hadley’s health has not improved, and she remains very fragile.

Ginger Ann Montero has been experiencing pain, which seems to be caused by a pinched nerve. She has an appointment for this tomorrow and Wednesday.

Joyce Rittenhouse finished her antibiotics Thursday and is feeling 100% better, but still weak. She is also on a new type of medication that will help her not to form the many stones that she had been having over the last several months.

Doyle Rittenhouse will be having two epidurals Wednesday. His stitches were removed Tuesday, but the biopsy of that area has not yet come back.

Joyce’s brother saw his doctor Wednesday and heard the results of the CT scan. They are keeping his blood pressure low as he is awaiting two heart surgeries that will be one day after the other, four or five weeks from now, and with two surgeons doing both. A 6″ Gore-Tex graft will be made and installed for the heart’s main artery. And other procedures will also be performed.

Michael Rittenhouse’s test came back good: no scars in the lung, no pneumonia. He was given a clean bill of health. The issue he was waiting to hear from his doctor turned out to be nothing to worry about. It is just four liver cists, each only about 5mm, that are not presenting any problem.

James Medlock has been making some improvement, being more alert.

Bud Montero had a follow-up with his doctor Thursday and is doing well and feeling fine, which he thanks the Lord for. In September, he will then have his PSA checked.

Ronnie Davis has been having some allergy problems.

Let us also continue to remember the following in prayer: Elaine Abbott, Ray Daugherty, Rick Cuthbertson, Jim Lively, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Shirley Davis, and Kerry Williams.
——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)

http://tebeaustreetchurchofchrist.org/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons)

The Gospel Observer

June 7, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Weightier Matters (Doy Moyer)
2) Pillar and Ground of the Truth (David Riggs)
3) News & Notes
——————–

-1-

The Weightier Matters

Doy Moyer

When we think of “doctrinal” issues, we tend to think of matters like marriage and divorce, the work of the church, baptism, etc. We work hard to try to get these right, and there are often sharp disagreements over the nature of these “doctrinal” matters.

“Doctrine” means teaching, and anything we teach is, definitionally, doctrinal. We often elevate the word “doctrinal” to some special status to mean the really important teachings, whereas “non-doctrinal” means those areas that we can disagree about. Then, we arbitrarily assign the various teachings in Scripture to one or the other status. Never mind that we can’t find this kind of use of “doctrinal” or “non-doctrinal” in Scripture.

Yet there is something else we may be missing. Do we realize that issues like loving neighbor as self, treating each other as we want to be treated, forgiving others, seeking peace, doing justice, and showing mercy are also doctrinal matters? In fact, so great are these teachings in Scripture that our own salvation depends on our actions relative to these issues. If I don’t love my neighbor, I am in violation of the most significant teaching that relates to how I think about other people. It is second only to loving God (Matt 22:36-40). If I don’t treat others as I want to be treated, I am guilty of injustice, failing in the most basic task of seeing others as made in God’s image (Jas 3:9). If I don’t show mercy, I won’t be shown mercy (Jas 2:13). If I don’t forgive, I won’t be forgiven (Mark 11:25). If I am not seeking peace, I am not standing for Christ and His kingdom (cf. Rom 14:17).

Can it get any more important than that? We need to know that being wrong about these doctrinal matters most certainly puts our souls at eternal risk. We often stress the works of the flesh that will keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21), yet failing to love, forgive, and show mercy will have the same effect. If we are not bearing the fruit of the Spirit (i.e., love, joy, peace, etc.), then the Spirit of God is not in us. We are lost.

I’m not saying that other doctrinal matters aren’t important — if Scripture teaches it, who are we to downplay it? Yet let’s not forget that love and mercy are at the heart of what it means to be servants of Christ and others. These are, indeed, the weightier matters, and the last thing we want is to find ourselves to be the hypocrites of Matthew 23:23: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others. You blind guides, straining out a gnat and swallowing a camel!”

Christians, we need to shine right now. The world is in desperate need of the light of Christ. Love one another. Love your neighbors. Treat others as you want to be treated. Be merciful. Be forgiving. Do justice. Seek peace. Pray hard. May God forbid that we neglect these doctrines through mistreating others.

— Via Doy Moyer’s Facebook site, June 6, 2020

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Pillar and Ground of Truth

David Riggs

Catholics sometimes quote I Timothy 3:15 which states, “…The church of the living God, the pillar and mainstay of the truth” to prove that the church is invested with authority to legislate in divine matters (See Father Smith Instructs Jackson, p. 35; The Question Box, p. 96).

The phrase “pillar and ground of the truth” does not mean that the church is the originator of truth or that it can make or change the laws of God. It simply means that it is the upholder, defender and proclaimer of the truth. The apostles often praised churches for proclaiming the truth, “for from you the word of the Lord has been spread abroad” (I Thess. 1:8). They commended them for defending the truth, “partakers with me . . . in the defense and confirmation of the gospel” (Phil. 1:7). However, there is not a single verse in all of the Holy Scriptures which indicates that the church has the authority to originate truth or to decree laws for God.

The apostles and prophets (and they alone) were commissioned by the Lord, not to originate truth but to reveal the truth. “For ever, 0 Lord, thy word is firmly fixed in the heavens” (Psalm 119:89 Catholic Edition RSV). Their task was once and for all completed for they gave us the written New Testament of Christ.

The responsibility of the church today is simply to follow, defend and proclaim the truth which they revealed. The Catechism for Adults, page 54 says, “The Catholic Church alone has the authority to rule and to teach.” However, the authority is not in the body, but in the Head (Eph 1:22,23; Col. 1:18). The ruling is not in the kingdom, but in the King (Heb. 7:1 2; Rev. 1:5 6). The authority is not in the church, but in Christ (Matt. 28: 18; 1 Pet. 3:22). The church is not the Savior, but simply the body of the saved (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:22-24).

— Via The Beacon, April 26, 2020

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-3-

News & Notes

Folks to be praying for:

Cheryl Corbitt was tested last Wednesday for the coronavirus and found out Friday that the test result was positive. She is experiencing the symptoms of being fatigued, running a low-grade fever, and having lost the sense of smell and taste. She is also without much appetite, but tries to eat a little each day. She also requests prayer for all those at the nursing home.

Joyce Rittenhouse returned home from the hospital Thursday, but still experiencing weakness, nausea and vertigo, which she is on medication for. On a good note, she is no longer septic, has no blockages, had no stroke, and her white blood cell count of 14,000 when she was admitted to the hospital was down to 7,000 when she left. She will have a follow-up this Tuesday.

Joyce’s brother will be having a follow-up from his CT-scan June 12 and then have his heart surgery the following week.

Doyle Rittenhouse will be having a follow-up this Tuesday to determine if the area where a recent abnormal growth was removed will require an additional procedure or not. On June 17, he will also receive an epidural for his constant back pain.

Michael Rittenhouse will be seeing his doctor June 9 to find out more about his present health. He is not feeling up to par, but has returned to work.

Bud Montero will be having a follow-up on June 11 for the procedure he had a few weeks ago.

Congratulations to Jonathan and Anita Abbott! Their daughter Emily Cox gave birth to a healthy baby last Tuesday! The delivery went very well for the mother and baby Sadie.

Let us also continue to remember the following in prayer: the family and friends of Andy Berendt, Elaine Abbott, Ray Daugherty, Rick Cuthbertson, James Medlock, Rex & Frankie Hadley, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Shirley Davis, John Bladen, the Medlock family, and Kerry Williams.
——————–

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 (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, 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

We are currently meeting for only our Sunday 10 a.m. worship service each week, due to the coronavirus situation.

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)

http://tebeaustreetchurchofchrist.org/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons)

The Gospel Observer

May 31, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Branch and Root of Jesse (Wayne Goff)
2) Face to Face (R.J. Evans)
——————–

-1-

The Branch and Root of Jesse

Wayne Goff

In the world of the Old Testament, “tree” was often a symbol for royalty. See Ezekiel 17:1ff, especially verses 22-24; Isaiah 2:13; 10:18-19; Jeremiah 22:7, 23 for examples. The kingly lineage of David was interrupted by the Babylonian captivity, and after the return of the Jewish remnant beginning in 536 B.C., there was never a man on the throne of David in Jerusalem again. However, God had promised David that One would come from the fruit of his loins to sit on His throne to rule in righteousness. These prophecies refer, naturally, to Jesus Christ. Notice some of the prophecies.

Nebuchadnezzar

When God interrupted Nebuchadnezzar’s reign to humble him with the mind and heart of an animal for a period of time, God promised that He would restore Nebuchadnezzar to his throne. “And inasmuch as they gave the command to leave the stump and roots of the tree, your kingdom shall be assured to you, after you come to know that Heaven rules” (Daniel 4:26). So the symbolism of a stump and roots being left indicating that his kingdom would be restored to him is the same we see in the lineage of David and the kings of Judah.

Jesus Christ

“There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isaiah 11:1).

“In that day the Branch of the LORD shall be beautiful and glorious; and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped” (Isaiah 4:2).

“‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the LORD, ‘That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness; a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgment and righteousness in the earth’” (Jeremiah 23:5; see Jer. 33:15).

“Hear, O Joshua, the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you, for they are a wondrous sign; for behold, I am bringing forth My Servant the BRANCH” (Zechariah 3:8).

“Then speak to him, saying, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, saying: “Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH! From His place He shall branch out, and He shall build the temple of the LORD” (Zechariah 6:12).

All of these prophecies indicate that Jesus Christ would be raised up to sit on the throne of His father, David, even after a lapse of over 400 years! Certainly the Jews thought that this “Branch” would be an earthly king, and our religious friends who believe in a future thousand year reign of Christ on the earth believe the same. But the true fulfillment of these prophecies came when Jesus Christ was raised up from the dead, ascended to heaven, and sat down on the throne of God in heaven! We are not left to wonder about this interpretation. The apostles on the day of Pentecost confirmed that Jesus was “the Christ” Who would sit on David’s throne (Acts 2:30). In order to do this, Jesus would have to be resurrected from the dead — something David had also prophesied by inspiration (Acts 2:31). Jesus was raised up from the dead, and the apostles were all witnesses of the event (Acts 2:32). Upon His resurrection, Jesus was “exalted to the right hand of God” (Acts 2:33). “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). Jesus is Lord with all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). Jesus is the Christ (anointed One) inasmuch as He is Prophet (Lk. 24:19), Priest (Heb. 3:1; 4:14), and King (1 Tim. 6:14-16). His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36), but is a rule in the hearts of people until the end of time (Lk. 17:21).

— Via Roanridge Reader, Volume 35, Issue 19, Page 3, May 10, 2020

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“FACE TO FACE”

R.J. Evans

We long for the time when we can “come together in one place” to worship (1 Cor. 11:20; 14:23). Let us all be praying, that if it is God’s will, it will be sooner rather than later.

It has been documented that physical contact or touch improves our immune system and also helps reduce diseases associated with the heart and blood. There are many incredible benefits — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual, that come from a touch. A loving touch is a means of communication, bonding, and good health. That is why we have a natural inclination to shake one another’s hand, pat another on the back, or give one another a big hug. Thus, it is understandable why New Testament Christians gave each other a “holy kiss” (Rom. 16:16; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thes. 5:26; 1 Pet. 5:14). After the Apostle Paul had met with the elders of the Ephesian church and was ready to depart, we are told “they fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him” (Acts 20:37).

As a result of COVID-19, this terrible pandemic, I have come to a greater appreciation of what the Apostle John said to “the elect lady and her children” and to his “beloved Gaius.” Please observe: “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish to do so with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full” (2 Jn. 12). “I had many things to write to you with pen and ink; but I hope to see you shortly, and we shall speak face to face” (3 Jn. 13-14).

Phone calls, text messages, emails, Facebook, Zoom, etc., are all great means of communication, but they will never take the place, or be the same as “FACE TO FACE” or person to person contact. I close with the words of Paul to the Thessalonians— “But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire” (1 Thes. 2:17).

— from the bulletin of the Southside church of Christ, Gonzales, Louisiana, April 19, 2020
——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

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

The Gospel Observer

May 24, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) The Ascension of Jesus and Its Prophecy (Tom Edwards)
2) News & Notes
——————–

-1-

The Ascension of Jesus and Its Prophecy

Tom Edwards

The Ascension

God used Luke the beloved physician (and sometimes traveling companion of the apostle Paul) to write two books of the Bible. He begins his second by saying, “The first account I composed Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when He was taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to the apostles whom He had chosen. To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God” (Acts 1:1-3).

On one occasion, during that 40-day period, the Lord had also “appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time” (1 Cor. 15:6). And some of those were still living when Luke wrote the book of Acts about 27 to 28 years after the Lord’s resurrection.

Luke then goes on to write, “And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, ‘Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven'” (Acts 1:9-11). What an awesome and marvelous sight that must have been to behold!

The Prophecy of the Lord’s Ascension

The ascension of Jesus that we just read about was actually foretold by the prophet Daniel several centuries prior. He declares:

“I kept looking in the night visions,
And behold, with the clouds of heaven
One like a Son of Man was coming,
And He came up to the Ancient of Days
And was presented before Him.
And to Him was given dominion,
Glory and a kingdom,
That all the peoples, nations and men of every language
Might serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
Which will not pass away;
And His kingdom is one
Which will not be destroyed” (Daniel 7:13-14).

God the Father, of course, is the “Ancient of Days” whom Jesus “came up to” (v. 13).

And notice what the Lord received at that time: “dominion, Glory, and a kingdom” (v. 14).

We also see a purpose for the giving of that: It was so “all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him” (v. 14).

Unlike the Law of Moses, which was only for the Jewish people (though some Gentiles became proselytes to it), the New Covenant of the Gospel Age is for all people — and all are to be taught it and live by it (cf. Matt. 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16).

So if God’s kingdom has not yet come, as some would say and are still awaiting it, then how could any of us serve Him acceptably? Can we have His approval of serving Him without being a part of His kingdom?

Many folks today make a distinction between the kingdom and the church, and say that the church is a “substitute” for the kingdom. That, to them, though God had initially planned to set up His kingdom, He was not able to follow through with His intent because of the Jews’ rejection of His Son Jesus. So He set up the church as a “substitute,” or that which was an “afterthought” in the mind of God.

But how can anyone believe that? God knew what they were going to do to His Son — even before He sent Him. So the Father was not only aware in advance of their rejection, but also of the torment they would bring upon Jesus. God’s omniscience concerning this is also seen in the Messianic passages in Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 that foretell of Christ’s suffering at Calvary, centuries before the actual event. Yes, God very well knew what man would do.

The church is the kingdom. Though Thayer shows “kingdom” to primarily mean “1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule 1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom 1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah,” he also shows the secondary meaning to be “2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king.” What kind of king would not have a kingdom to rule over? That sounds rather sad. Is Jesus a king without a kingdom? All those who submit to God’s kingdom (His rule) become a part of His kingdom (the church that He rules over).

Also, the church was not “an afterthought” in the mind of God. Rather, it was part of His eternal plan. For, as Paul speaks of that mystery that was now being revealed, it was the Lord’s design that “the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him” (Eph. 3:10-12).

So God’s kingdom has come. And hear what Paul says of those who have submitted to God’s plan of salvation: “For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). The apostle John, when exiled to the island of Patmos, acknowledged that he was a “fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus” (Rev. 1:9). To be in Jesus, therefore, is to be in the kingdom (the church). So it is essential to be in Jesus to serve God acceptably. For Jesus says, when showing the need to abide in Him (as the vine of which Christians are the branches), “…he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing” (Jn. 15:6).

While on earth, Jesus, as well as John the Baptist, preached the need for repentance and gave the reason: “for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt. 4:17; cf. Matt. 3:2). Its coming was so near that Jesus was able to say, “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mark 9:1).

These passages clearly show that God’s kingdom has come, and the Christian is already in it.

Furthermore, when Jesus comes again, though He won’t be setting foot on earth, He will then be delivering the kingdom up to His Father in heaven on that day that the saved of all time will be meeting Him in the air (1 Cor. 15:22-28; 1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Right now Jesus is the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 19:16). He has been exalted to God’s right hand “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph. 1:20-23).

In Old Testament times, God promised to send the Savior, the Messiah — and God kept His word. He sent Jesus “when the fullness of the time came” (Gal. 4:4), which means “the proper or destined time” (Random House Webster’s College Dictionary). And just as God kept His word in sending Jesus the first time, He will also keep His word in sending Him again in that great final day when “the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we [Christians] who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:16-17). And that day, which is referred to as the “last day,” will also be the time of the universal resurrection for all people of all time. For it will include not only the saved, but also all the lost souls. For “an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment” (Jn. 5:28-29, cf. Acts 24:15).

As we have seen in this lesson, Jesus not only ascended to the right hand of God in heaven, but also fulfilled prophecy in doing so. Because of all that the Lord accomplished while on earth, and now reigning in glory, we who are Christians will also ascend one of these days, when we will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air! Let us each strive to be ready for that great day! And if you happen to be a non-Christian, read below to see how you can become one and make yourself ready, too!

— All Scripture from the New American Standard Bible
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News & Notes

Folks to be praying for:

We extend our condolences to all the loved ones of Andy Berendt who passed away peacefully Friday evening while surrounded by his wife Kathy, his son Adam, his daughter Heather, and his grandchild Noelani. Andy had served the Lord for many years as a gospel preacher; and when a Christian passes away, though there is sorrow in that loss, yet, as the apostle Paul shows, we do not have to “grieve as do the rest who have no hope”; and can, therefore, “comfort one another with these words” that “the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Let us be keeping all of his family and friends in prayer.

Elaine Abbott, who has been undergoing chemo treatments once a week and hemodialysis three times a week, is now in the hospital for diverticulitis. She should be home in a couple days.

Joyce Rittenhouse’s brother will be having heart surgery this Tuesday. His blood pressure has been very low.

Joyce has been having a few kidney stones over the last several months at different times. Her latest one was eliminated the Sunday before last.

Jim Lively had a bad fall recently that put a small tear through the top of his ear, cutting completely through. It was the first he had fallen in a few months, so he has improved on that.

Doyle Rittenhouse will be having a procedure this Wednesday to remove more tissue from an area where he had an irregular mole removed. It was not melanoma, but precancerous. This week or the week after, he will also have an epidural for the back pain that he has continually been having for a while. Eventually, “spacers” will be put into his spine to solve the problem.

Michael Rittenhouse’s CT scan showed no cancer, no pneumonia, and no nodules. Though he is not 100% improved, yet he is breathing better now. However, he still has some kind of health issue that he will find out about June 9 when his doctor will discuss that with him.

James Medlock is doing somewhat better.

Emily Abbott Cox is now in about her 36th week of pregnancy.

Bud Montero will be having a follow-up on June 11 for the procedure he had a couple weeks ago.

Let us also continue to remember the following in prayer: Ray Daugherty, Rick Cuthbertson, Ann Vandevander, Rex & Frankie Hadley, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Shirley Davis, John Bladen, the Medlock family, and Kerry Williams.

No additional illnesses or physical problems have been reported among us, but let us still continue to keep each other in prayer.

On May 24, 2020, we resumed having our worship service in the building. It had been 70 days since we had last done so. It was so good to be able to worship God together again! Though many were not able to be with us, the 23 who were practiced social distancing, which was easy to do in an auditorium that would probably accommodate more than 200 people (when social distancing would not be required). For a while, we will just be having the Sunday 10 a.m. worship service for our only service in the building for the week. We do not yet know when we will also begin our Bible classes for Sunday and Wednesday, but it will be posted when we do.
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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

Sunday Worship Service: 10 a.m. (This will temporarily be our only service for the week, due to the coronavirus caution.)

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)
http://tebeaustreetchurchofchrist.org/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons)

The Gospel Observer

May 17, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Titles of Jesus (Irvin Himmel)
2) News & Notes
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Titles of Jesus

Irvin Himmel

Jesus Christ is the central figure of the Bible. He is God’s gift to man and Man’s only hope. The Old Testament pointed to His coming. Virtually every line of the New Testament helps to portray Him. There is little danger of our over magnifying Him. To know God we must know Jesus (Matt. 11:27). To receive God we must receive Jesus (Matt. 10:40). To love God we must love Jesus (John 8:42; 16:27). To come to God we must come to Jesus (Matt. 11:28; John 14:6). To obey God we must obey Jesus (Matt. 7:21,24; Heb. 5:9). To honor God we must honor Jesus (John 5:23).

Names and titles are meaningful in the Scriptures. The personal name given to the Son of God is significant. Many titles are applied to Him in the Sacred Writings, and we need to know their meaning that we might honor Him more fully. A “name” is a word or phrase that distinguishes and identifies; it is that by which something is marked and known. Adam gave names to the cattle, fowl of the air, and beasts of the field in Gen. 2:19,20. There are common and class names. For example, “apple” is the name of a certain class of fruit. There are proper and personal names. “Golden Delicious” is the name of a particular variety of apple. “Man” is the name of a class of creatures. “Sam Smith” is a proper name used by a man for personal identity.

A “title” is an appellation of rank, office, dignity, or honor. “Gerald Ford”‘ is the personal name of the man who currently occupies the White House in Washington, D.C. He wears numerous titles, such as “President of the United States,” “Chief Executive,” and “Commander-in-Chief.” We have no problem in understanding the difference between this man’s name and the titles that reflect his office, rank, and position.

The Name Jesus

The personal name worn by our Lord was chosen and announced prior to His birth. When the angel Gabriel was sent to Mary, a virgin, to announce that she would bear a child, the heavenly messenger spoke these words: “And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus” (Lk. 1:31). Later, when Joseph realized that his espoused wife was pregnant, supposing that she had played the harlot, he was thinking of putting her away privately. But the angel of the Lord informed him that she was with child of the Holy Spirit, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

This divinely-chosen name is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew name “Joshua.” It signifies that “salvation is of Jehovah.” Like many other personal names in the Bible, it has doctrinal meaning. Consider, for example, the name “Joel” which means “Jehovah is God,” or the name “Malachi” which means “my messenger.” The personal name chosen for our Lord is appropriate. Since the name “Jesus” is not altogether uncommon, it is sometimes given clarification by the addition “Jesus of Nazareth” (John 18:5; Acts 2:22) or “Jesus of Galilee” (Matt. 26:29).

Master

The title “Master” often was applied to Jesus during His earthly ministry. Six Greek words translated “Master” can be used as titles for Jesus. Two of these mean “Lord” and that title will be considered later, so I now mention the other four.

(1) Didaskalos is used in such passages as Matt. 19:16; Mk. 4:38; and Lk. 12:13. It is rendered “teacher” in John 3:2. Thayer says it means “. . . One who teaches concerning the things of God, and the duties of man.” It sometimes refers to the teachers of the Jews’ religion and is translated “doctors” in Lk. 2:46 in the King James Version. It is applied to John the Baptist in Lk. 3:12. It describes Christians as instructors in Heb. 5:12. Because He was recognized as a teacher, Jesus was addressed by this title on numerous occasions.

(2) Rabbi is sometimes translated “Master” (John 9:2; Matt. 26:49), but in some cases it is not translated (John 6:25). Thayer says it means “. . . My great one, my honorable sir … a title with which the Jews were wont to address their teachers (and also to honor them when not addressing them . . . ).” It is interpreted as didaskalos in John 1:38. Like didaskalos, we find it applied to John the Baptist (John 3:26). Both didaskalos and rabbi were used by the Jews in reference to their teachers.

(3) Epistates is the word for “Master” in Lk. 5:5 and 17:13. Vine defines it as “a chief, a commander, overseer.” According to Thayer, it means “Any sort of superintendent or overseer,” and it was used by the disciples when addressing Jesus, not because He was a teacher, but because He had authority. Interestingly, this Greek word for “Master” is used only six times and is limited to the book of Luke. The Pulpit Commentary suggests that it may have been used in Luke’s writing because it would have been better understood by the Gentile reader than didaskalos or rabbi. It is interesting to compare Mk. 4:38 which uses didaskalos and Lk. 8:24 which uses epistates. Perhaps the disciples used both words when addressing Jesus, or Luke may have used the latter as a kind of synonym for the former to portray to Greek readers (Theophilus and others) the authority of Jesus as a teacher.

(4) Kathegetes is used exclusively in Matt. 23:8,10 and translated “Master.” It means a leader or guide. Albert Barnes says, “It refers to those who go before others; who claim, therefore the right to direct and control others. This was also a title conferred on Jewish teachers.”

Jesus was “Master” in the sense of Teacher, Rabbi, Overseer, and Guide during His ministry. It appears that these titles were regarded as inadequate following the ascension, so titles expressing Deity are more common after His exaltation. Vine remarks, “The primitive community never ventured to call Jesus `Our Teacher’ after He had been exalted to the Throne of God. The title rabbi, expressing the relation of the disciple to the teacher, vanished from use . . .”

Lord

Kurios is the commonly-used word for “Lord” and appears in every book of the New Testament except Titus and the epistles of John. It has several general and customary usages, four of which I now mention.

(1) It often means the possessor or owner of a thing. The householder who hired laborers to work in his vineyard is called “lord of the vineyard” (Matt. 20:8). He was what we think of today as a landlord. In Gal. 4:1, Paul reasoned that the heir, as long as he is a minor, is no different from a servant, though he be (potentially) “lord of all.” Ownership is the idea.

(2) It sometimes means a master in the sense of one to whom some kind of service is due. At Philippi, Paul and Silas found a damsel who “brought her masters much gain by soothsaying” (Acts 16:16). Jesus pointed out that no man can serve “two masters” (Matt. 6:24). The two masters or lords to which he was referring are God and riches.

(3) In some cases it means a ruler. When Paul appealed to Caesar, Festus was troubled that he had no certain thing to write to his “lord” (Acts 25:26). The “lord” to which he made reference was the Emperor. Jesus is called “Lord of lords, and King of kings” (Rev. 17:14). This means that He rules over all earthly rulers.

(4) It can be used as a title of respect and courtesy. In this sense Sarah called Abraham “lord” (1 Pet. 3:6). It is translated “Sir” in several passages. For example, the jailor at Philippi addressed Paul and Silas as “Sirs” (Acts 16:30). It was in this sense that Saul of Tarsus called Jesus “lord” before knowing His identity. “Who art thou, Lord?” (Acts 9:5).

Kurios was used by the Jews in a special sense to honor Jehovah. This title is applied frequently to Jesus in the New Testament. Although Jesus could be called “Lord” because He is our Owner, having purchased our redemption, or as Master deserving our service, or as Ruler over us, as His Deity was revealed the title took on deeper meaning. Vine suggests that the title “Lord” in its full significance “rests upon the resurrection.” There is certainly more to it than a mere expression of courtesy. When Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), he was acknowledging Lordship in the highest sense.

Messiah and Christ

Messias is the Hebrew word for “anointed” spelled as if a Greek word; anglicized, it is “Messiah.” It is used in the New Testament only in John 1:41 and 4:25. Translated into Greek it is Christos; into English, “Christ.” “Messiah” and “Christ” are identical in meaning.

In Old Testament days the priests were anointed with a special anointing oil (Ex. 30:22-30; Lev. 4:3). Kings were anointed, also. Saul was anointed by the prophet Samuel (1 Sam. 10:1). David, though threatened by Saul, always respected Saul as “the Lord’s anointed” (2 Sam. 1:14-16). David was anointed on three separate occasions (1 Sam. 17:13; 2 Sam. 2:4; 5:3). Since it was foretold that Israel’s Savior would be both King and Priest (2 Sam. 7:11; Zech. 6:13), the Jews came to think of Him as “the Anointed One” to come. This is the background for the well-known title “Messiah.”

Jesus is called “Christ” in such familiar passages as Matt. 16:16; 22:42; 26:63; John 1:19,20; and many others. Sometimes the title appears immediately after the personal name, hence “Jesus Christ” (Matt. 1:18; Acts 8:12; Eph. 2:20). Sometimes the title appears just before the personal name, therefore “Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1; 1 Cor. 4:15; Eph. 2:13). Sometimes the title “Lord” appears before the personal name and the title “Christ” immediately after, so we find “Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 5:1; 1 Cor. 15:57; 2 Tim. 4:2). Jesus is truly the Christ, the Anointed One of God.

Savior

The title “Savior” means deliverer or preserver. It is sometimes applied to God (Lk. 1:47; Tit. 3:4), but it is fitting for Jesus as the author of our salvation. Many Samaritans acknowledged Jesus to be “the Christ, the Savior of the world” (John 4:42). It is not uncommon to find several titles grouped together, such as “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

Lamb Of God

This is one of a number of metaphorical titles for Jesus. A metaphor is a term denoting one kind to suggest a comparison with another. Lambs were used for sacrifice under the law of Moses. Jesus is the “Lamb of God” because He is the sacrifice that God provided for us. John the Baptist honored Jesus with this meaningful title (John 1:29,36). Furthermore, it was prophesied that the Messiah would be led as a sheep to the slaughter (Isa. 53:7; Acts 8:32). Like the literal lamb that was suited for sacrifice, Jesus stood without blemish and without spot (1 Pet. 1:19). In the book of Revelation, Jesus is symbolized as the “Lamb” about thirty times. Note especially Rev. 5 and 13:8.

These are but a few of the many titles applied to Jesus in the Bible. These and other titles clearly reveal the concept that first-century disciples had of Him. Many of these disciples knew Him personally; some saw Him following the resurrection; they had firsthand information. Our efforts to honor Jesus should be greatly enhanced by studying these appellations of office, rank, and dignity. “To him be glory both now and forever. Amen.”

— Via Truth Magazine, XX:22, pp. 7-8, May 27, 1976
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-2-

News & Notes

Folks to be praying for:

James Medlock has been transferred from our local hospital to the Harbor View Nursing home in Waycross. He will be there about 20 to 21 days. His blood pressure is now in a good range and also his oxygen level (due to being on oxygen). He is also now more alert and responsive.

We extend our condolences to all the family and friends of Edwin Medlock (Bennie’s cousin) of Albany (GA) who recently passed away.

Elaine Abbott (Jonathan’s mother) continues chemotherapy once a week and hemodialysis 3 times a week.

It was also a couple weeks ago when Ray Daugherty (Jim Lively’s brother-in-law) had a stroke, but is gradually healing.

Joyce Rittenhouse’s brother developed a pain in his chest recently that turned out to be a tear in the bottom part of his aortic valve. He will be having surgery any day now.

Emily Abbott Cox is now in almost her 35th week of pregnancy.

Doyle and Michael Rittenhouse both had CT scans on the 14th. We should be hearing soon on the results.

Let us continue to also remember the following in prayer: Rick Cuthbertson, Ann Vandevander, Andy Berendt, Jim Lively, Rex & Frankie Hadley, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Shirley Davis, John Bladen, the Medlock family, and Kerry Williams.

No additional sicknesses have been reported among us, but let us continue to keep each other in prayer.

The men of the congregation will be meeting this Wednesday (the 20th) at 7 p.m. to determine if we will go ahead with our tentative plan to resume meeting in the building next Sunday (the 24th). When we do start back, it will be for only our 10 a.m. worship service. We will not be having our Sunday and Wednesday Bible classes for a while.
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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 (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; Col. 2:12; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, 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

The following services are cancelled until further notice:

Sunday services: 9:00 a.m. (Bible class); 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (worship)
Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Bible class)

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (older version of the Gospel Observer website without pictures, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)
http://tebeaustreetchurchofchrist.org/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons)

The Gospel Observer

May 10, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) Jesus: Our Perfect Example (Earl Kimbrough)
2) News & Notes
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Jesus: Our Perfect Example

Earl Kimbrough

“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should walk in his steps: Who committed no sin, Nor was guile found in His mouth” (1 Pet. 2:21,22).

The word here used for “example” comes from Greek elementary education. It describes the way Greek boys learned to write. The exercise tablet was usually a shallow box filled with soft wax. A student wrote with a sharp stylus that was flat on the opposite end for erasing so the wax could be repeatedly used. The writing master prepared the student’s tablet by writing a line at the top to be reproduced by the student and by drawing parallel lines to keep the student’s work straight. The master’s line at the top was the “pattern” the boy must copy in his own hand in learning to write. Mature skill in handwriting required practice. Peter’s words show that Jesus’ suffering is not only redemptive. It is also an example that even slaves could imitate in suffering unjust treatment. Jesus as our example suggests four simple facts.

1. Jesus left us the perfect example. He is the perfect “writing copy” we must strive to reproduce in our own life. His sinless perfection is apparent from the couplet quoted from Isaiah 53:9 – “Who committed no sin, Nor was guile found in his mouth.”While Peter refers especially to Jesus’ perfect example of patience in suffering, Isaiah spoke prophetically of the Lord’s absolute freedom from sin, as other writers and the history of Jesus’ life show. No other human ever lived without sin. Even the most righteous men are examples to others only as they follow Jesus(1 Cor. 11:1). Jesus lived above sin because he had perfect self-control and because he had a perfect consciousness of God, being fully committed to him in all things.

The figure changes in the second clause (“that you should follow his steps”) to that of a guide. Jesus leads by his footprints. He is the perfect example in all that he did and for all we must do in the service of God. He is perfect because “in him there is no sin” (1 Jn. 3:5)and he is our example because he commands us to follow him (Matt. 16:24).

2. Jesus is our example of right conduct. Walking in his steps does not mean that we do so perfectly. We achieve perfection only by the grace and mercy of God through submission to his will(Eph. 2:8-10; Rom. 3:21-26). Nor does it mean that we imitate Jesus in the things he did by virtue of his divine nature, as in receiving the homage of men. Moreover, following him does not require us to do all he did in the service of God. He lived as a Jew under the law of Moses, but we are free from the law(Rom. 7:4).Therefore, we cannot follow him in observing the precepts of Moses. “Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing . . . [and] you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” (Gal. 5:1-4). How, then, do we follow the example of Jesus?

(a) We imitate his manner of life. This is seen in the specific example Peter gives. We do not suffer on the cross and we cannot die for the sins of others. But following his manner of suffering unjustly for doing right, we catch his spirit and return love for hate. In his relation to God, Jesus put him first and served him faithfully. In his relation to men, he fulfilled every moral precept of the law perfectly. He was loving, compassionate, and merciful. He was gentle, patient, and kind. He was humble, forgiving, and submissive to his Father’s will. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Jesus Christ” (Phil. 2:5). “Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29).

(b) We follow Jesus in living by his word. Peter connects the example of Jesus to his role as “the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:25).The figurative use of “Shepherd” includes the idea of a teacher. “He will feed his flock like a shepherd” (Isa. 40:11). Jesus is not only our perfect example, he is also our perfect instructor. His teaching can no more be separated from his life than his example. We follow him in both. The latter refers to the teaching he left us in the New Testament (Matt. 19:28; Heb. 2:1-4).

3. Jesus intended for us to walk by his example. “For to this were you called . . . that you should walk in his steps.” Christians are called to God’s service through the gospel for the purpose of imitating Jesus in their lives. Those who think Christianity consists of anything less than imitating his teaching and example have missed the point. Sinners must understand this when they become Christians. “Therefore we were buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4). And Christians must never forget this commitment: “Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10).

4. Jesus’ example is more than a perfect pattern. Following him brings the blessings that make us perfect in him. It is in following him that we receive the benefits of his death. “… who himself bore our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness by whose stripes we were healed” (1 Pet. 2:24). We are saved from the power and punishment of sin when we obey the gospel (Mk. 16:15,16). Our sins are washed away by the blood of Christ when we are baptized into spiritual union with him (Acts 22:16; Rom. 5:9; 6:3,4). It is at this point that we are freed from the dominion of sin. And the hope of being free from the eternal punishment that awaits the unrighteous is a great motivation for us to live “soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world” (Tit. 3:11,14). Jesus not only died to free us from the dominion of sin, but that we might “live for righteousness.”

There is another blessing provided by the perfect example of Christ. “For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls” (1 Pet. 2:25). The title “Shepherd” seems to identify Jesus with Ezekiel’s prophecy: “I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them – my servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd” (Ezek. 34:23). Jesus remains the perfect teacher and example for his people, providing them all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 2:1-4). “Overseer” is apparently used here in reference to Jesus’ protective oversight of those who walk in his steps. Following the perfect example of Jesus gives us assurance of eternal life.

“Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway glow;
We will follow the steps of Jesus,
Where’er they go.”

Via the Guardian of Truth XXXVIII, No. 22, p. 1, December 1, 1994
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News & Notes

The above picture is of Joshua Richardson (left) and his friend Logan Burnette who both work for CSX and were doing so in Waycross last week. We rejoice that Joshua was baptized into Christ on May 4, 2020 to be forgiven of all the sins he has ever committed throughout his entire life! And, thus, gladly became a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ. What a great decision and choice Joshua has made! None could be greater nor more important! Let us pray for our new brother in the Lord and thank God for His goodness, His grace, and His mercy in sending His son Jesus Christ to this world to make salvation possible, by His death on the cross, for every sinner who will submit to God’s plan for redemption. How truly wonderful our God is! And how great His love is for each of us!

Here is a short video of Joshua’s baptism: https://thomastedwards.com/baptism_of_Josh_Richardson_050420.mp4

*****

May 3 update on Andy Berendt by his daughter Heather:

“Heather here…my mother wanted me to post to ask for some prayers again.

“My father is getting good care at the hospital and we are thankful that he is there and that they are doing a wonderful job for him. They are trying to get him well enough to get out of the hospital and back onto his treatments for the cancer.

“He is not going to be released until his infection is gone (or at least stable). So please pray that they will be able to get his infection under control and get his white blood cell count numbers down. Maybe other things are looking good for him but that is the most pressing prayer need we have now. Thank you!”

*****

Other folks to also be praying for:

Elaine Abbott (Jonathan’s mother) continues chemotherapy once a week and hemodialysis 3 times a week.

Bud Montero completed his 5 days of treatment Friday. He is feeling well and thankful to all for their prayers.

As mentioned last week, James Medlock’s condition of Alzheimer has become worse. He had fallen 3 times in about 3 weeks and now cannot walk. Sundown syndrome had also been hindering him from sleeping.

It was also a couple weeks ago when Ray Daugherty (Jim Lively’s brother-in-law) had a stroke, but is gradually healing.

Emily Abbott Cox is now in almost her 34th week of pregnancy.

It was reported last Monday that Michael Rittenhouse has a growth in his lung that about 3 weeks ago had doubled in size in just a few days. We have not yet heard the results from the recent testing, but are praying that all will go well.

Let us continue to also remember the following in prayer: Rick Cuthbertson, Ann Vandevander, Jim Lively, Rex & Frankie Hadley, Kelly Stoneheart, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Doyle & Joyce Rittenhouse, Shirley Davis, John Bladen, the Medlock family, and Kerry Williams.

No new sicknesses have been reported among us. We have tentatively planned to have just one service a week for a while — our worship service at 10 a.m. — and begin that on May 24. But the men will have a business meeting on the 20th to see if we are still going to go ahead with that.
——————–

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

1) Hear the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).
2) Believe in the deity of Jesus Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
——————–

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

The following services are all cancelled until further notice:

Sunday services: 9:00 a.m. (Bible class); 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (worship)
Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Bible class)

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
http://thomastedwards.com/go (Older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons)

The Gospel Observer

May 3, 2020 / Tom Edwards

Contents:

1) “The Kingdom Is Like…” — Figures Describing God’s People (Robert F. Turner)
2) News & Notes
——————–

-1-

“The Kingdom Is Like…” — Figures Describing God’s People

Robert F. Turner

Is the church (God’s people) the body of Christ (Eph. 1:23); or is it LIKE (in some respects) a body; and since He is head over these people, therefore, LIKE the body of Christ? Are we literally His hands, feet, etc. or are we figuratively His body?? To ask such questions is to answer them in any sane mind. Yet, many seem reluctant to apply common sense reasoning to Bible figurative language.

The most common and effective way to teach an unknown is to compare it to something known. The common simile says this is like that. His remark was like a knife — it cut, figuratively; or, it had a point; or, it was mounted on a handle. The exact use is left to the user, and is usually indicated in the context. When the comparison is made to an event or happening this is called a parable, or a fable (depending on the type of story told as illustration). In some figures of speech the like is omitted (“tell that fox” Lu. 13:32) or is a deliberate exaggeration (“running like lightening”); but all convey a message limited by context and intent. Metaphorical language is so common it is practically inseparable from communication. We use it all the time, and I just finished using it. (“All” the time? or just much of the time?)

One need not know the names or the technical descriptions of figures in order to properly use and interpret them. It doesn’t take a genius to know we do not drink a container; or that Jesus, holding bread in his hand as he spoke, did not mean “this is (literally) my body” (1 Cor. 11:23-f). Bread and fruit of the vine symbolize or represent the body and blood of Christ. But symbolism, a form of figurative language, is also subject to the limitations placed upon it by the author. We have no right to alter the elements of symbolism established by the Lord and the Holy Spirit, or to place significance upon circumstances or details which were given no significance by divine authority.

Some figures seem to invite unauthorized extension more than others. The kingdom figure is much abused by repetition of the Jewish materialistic concept. Some expect Christ to sit on the literal chair of David, ruling over a this world realm. His teaching concerning the nature of His kingdom (Mk. 12:34; Lu. 17:20-21; Jn. 18:36-37) and the many references to its present existence (Acts 2:30-33; Col. 1:13) seem to make no impression. And the “child of God” figure is extended to teach a right of fellowship for the “unborn child,” or that once one is a “child” he forever remains in God’s family. Because a literal child so remains, or a literal king has a gold throne, many do not hesitate to assert these things of the figures. Did King Herod have a bushy tail?

The same illustrative material may be used in more than one figure and with different meanings. We become a child of God by birth (or adoption) but the child figure may also be used to emphasize the necessity for displaying characteristics of our heavenly Father (Jn. 8:38-47; Matt. 5:43-45). In every case, the author determines the use of his figures, and we must be content to make only the application authorized by context.

The people of God are those who hear, believe, and obey the call of the gospel of Christ (2 Thes. 2:14, Acts 2:37-41). Generally speaking, we are either in darkness (in sin, unacceptable unto God), or we are in the light (in truth, acceptable). Those who are acceptable unto God are described or designated by a multitude of figures, each emphasizing some particular characteristic of the saints. God’s people are LIKE workers in His vineyard, LIKE soldiers in His army, LIKE sheep in His flock. These are not different relationships — they are applied to the same people. When one becomes a branch upon Christ, the vine, he also becomes a lively stone, built upon Christ, the foundation. He enters one acceptable relationship, variously described by these figures.

Each figure has its own language or terminology. One is built upon the foundation, when God’s people are LIKENED unto a building; but he is born, when God’s people are LIKENED unto a family. It would be a mixing of figures to say one was born into a vine, or enlisted in a flock, or built into a family. If born of God is a mystical, better-felt-than-told process, then so is that of becoming a worker in the Lord’s vineyard, or a runner in the Christian race.

In each of these figures Christ is put in the prominent position. He is King in the kingdom, Shepherd of the flock, elder brother in the family, and head of the body. His position is not simply an honorary one, but its importance is established by its function. As head of the body, He directs its activities; as King, He rules all who will be subject to Him, who therefore make up His kingdom. He is the vine that gives life to each branch, and without whom there can be no fruit. He protects the sheep, and directs and pays the laborers. Christ is the foundation upon which each building block depends.

It is also important to note that in every figure the unit is an individual. If a man abide not, he is cast forth as a branch. Members of the body are saints, not congregations. The family of God is a brotherhood not a churchhood. His kingdom is made up of citizens, not of communities (as Campbell thought). This is a vital point. It establishes the direct relationship of saints to Christ. Our primary obligation is to be faithful to Christ, not to the church. The true church is not the object of our faith, but the result of faithfulness to Christ. It is the duty of each saint to maintain that faithfulness, and a faithful church will be the result of such fidelity.

Most figures have a central theme, and are given to teach a single point. When God’s people are likened unto a kingdom, RULE is the theme — God rules, through Christ, in the hearts of His people. But we may be told, “The kingdom is like” — a treasure — in value; or leaven — the way it is spread; or mustard seed — which from a small start produces big things. We should never make more of the figure than is obvious in its context.

Finally, no figure teaches a permanent relation. Our position in each is subject to our remaining faithful.

— Via Plain Talk, vol. 13, no. 10, pp. 4-5, December, 1976
——————–

-2-

News & Notes

Folks to be praying for:

Update (May 1) on Andy Berendt by his daughter Heather:

“We got a call at 1:40 requesting a zoom meeting between us, his doctors and my father.

“During the meeting, dad looked good and was happy to see us. He had just agreed to the blood transfusion and was concerned that he hadn’t made a good decision to do that but we assured him it was the right choice.

“The doctors said that he is not showing signs of an internal bleed and the surgeons found no area of concern with his intestines. He is no longer in sepsis shock and they were surprised how quickly he cleared that up. He is not on any blood pressure medications and his bp is back up to normal. He is on no pain medication and hasn’t been the entire time he was in the hospital.

“The doctors said that he is doing really well and they are thinking he will get out of icu tonight and as long as things progress in the right direction and nothing else changes, he should be able to come home in a few days and restart his cancer treatments.

“Thank you all for your prayers. We really appreciate them. Dad was very encouraged hearing that so many were praying for him.”
——————–

Bud Montero begins his 5 days of non-invasive procedures for prostate cancer tomorrow. They will run through Friday and require about 30 minutes each. We are glad that Bud has been given a very good prognosis for this.

James Medlock has not been able to walk for the last couple days. He has fallen 3 times in the last two or three weeks, and his Alzheimer has worsen. He also has developed sundown syndrome that had him up 4 nights and days without sleep. Three times his medication has been increased to improve this.

Jonathan Abbot’s mother continues with hemodialysis 3 days a week and chemotherapy once a week.

Ray Daugherty (Jim Lively’s brother-in-law) had a stroke last week, which had affected his memory and speech somewhat and slightly impaired his left side; but he is improving. He is now back home.

Rick Cuthbertson is still receiving chemo treatments every week except one out of each month. He has been alternating between a double dose one week, and a single the next and is tolerating it better than before. The kidney and colon cancer has been eliminated, and the spots on his lungs have continued to shrink.

Ann Vandevander continues to receive physical therapy 3 times a week in her home.

Emily Abbott Cox is now in almost her 33rd week of pregnancy.

Let us continue to remember Jim Lively, Rex & Frankie Hadley, Kelly Stoneheart, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Doyle & Joyce Rittenhouse, Shirley Davis, John Bladen, the Medlock family, and Kerry Williams in our prayers.

No additional sickness has been reported among us. But let us continue to keep each other in prayer during this time of social distancing — and especially those who have had infirmities and have been shut-ins even prior to our current situation.
——————–

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 (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:21).
6) Continue in the faith, living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
——————–

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

The following services are all cancelled until further notice:

Sunday services: 9:00 a.m. (Bible class); 10 a.m. & 5 p.m. (worship)
Wednesday: 7 p.m. (Bible class)

evangelist/editor: Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
https://thomastedwards.wordpress (The new Gospel Observer website with pictures in WordPress)
http://thomastedwards.com/go (Older version of Gospel Observer website without pictures, but back to March 1990)
http://tebeaustreetchurchofchrist.org/
http://ThomasTEdwards.com/audioser.html (audio sermons)

Confirmation

By Angels

By John the Baptist

By the Wise Men

By the Saints then Living

By Moses and Elijah

By Certain Pharisees and Jewish Rulers

By the Demons that Confessed Him

By His Teaching

By His Signs and Wonders

By His Holy Life

By His Enemies

By a Thief Who Was Being Crucified with Jesus

By His Own Admission

By His Resurrection and Ascension

By Prophecy and Its Fulfillment

By Changed Lives

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Architect’s Blueprint

The Leaders in the Church

The Bible

The churches of men

Conclusion

The Worship of the Church

The Bible

The churches of men

Conclusion

The Organization of the Church

The Bible

The churches of men

The Names that Are Worn

The Bible

The churches of men

God’s Plan of Salvation

The Bible

The churches of men

What Happens When We Change the Blueprints?

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Maintaining Godliness During Difficult Times

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Language: From the Tower of Babel to the Day of Pentecost

Parallels Today

Endure to the End!

Beyond Our Greatest Dream

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Weightier Matters

Pillar and Ground of Truth

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Branch and Root of Jesse

Nebuchadnezzar

Jesus Christ

“FACE TO FACE”

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

The Ascension of Jesus and Its Prophecy

The Ascension

The Prophecy of the Lord’s Ascension

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Titles of Jesus

The Name Jesus

Master

Lord

Messiah and Christ

Savior

Lamb Of God

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

Jesus: Our Perfect Example

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

“The Kingdom Is Like…” — Figures Describing God’s People

News & Notes

The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation

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