1) Boaz and Ruth: Ancient Examples for a Postmodern World (Greg Chandler)
2) Walking (Wayne Goff)
3) “OMG”\u00a0 (R.J. Evans)
4) Divisions That Should Not Be (video sermon, Tom Edwards)
5) News & Notes
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-1-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Boaz and Ruth: Ancient Examples for a Postmodern World<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Greg Chandler -2-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wayne Goff The word \u201cwalk\u201d<\/strong><\/em> and its derivatives appear more than 100 times in the New Testament alone. This is not surprising, since man needs mobility to get along in life. Often in the Gospel accounts, \u201cwalk\u201d<\/em> <\/strong>refers to literal <\/em>walking, or man\u2019s inability to\u201cwalk.\u201d <\/strong><\/em>Jesus cured the lame and gave them the ability to walk again (Matt. 9:5; 11:5). What a blessing!<\/strong> If Jesus could restore my original left knee to its perfect condition, how blessed would I be? The figure of \u201cwalking\u201d<\/strong><\/em> is expanded in the rest of the New Testament. Acts 9:31 says, \u201cThen the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking<\/strong> in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied.\u201d<\/em> The new converts which made up churches of Christ in the first century walked<\/strong> \u201cin the fear of the Lord,\u201d<\/em> or in obedience to His commands. Finally, with a new knee, it is important not to fall. \u201cTherefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall\u201d<\/em> (1 Cor. 10:12). How important it is to not fall<\/strong> \u2014 in both the physical and the spiritual realm. So, dear reader, how is your walk?!<\/strong> -3-<\/p>\n\n\n\n R.J. Evans Tom Edwards<\/p>\n\n\n\n This video sermon, as titled above, was preached March 7, 2021. To play it, just click on the following link:<\/p>\n\n\n\n https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/Divisions_030721.mp4<\/a> -5-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Folks to be praying for:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n We extend our condolences to all the family and friends of Ann Vandevander<\/strong> who passed away recently. 1) Hear <\/strong>the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31). “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).——————– Contents: 1) Boaz and Ruth: Ancient Examples for a Postmodern World (Greg Chandler)2) Walking (Wayne Goff)3) “OMG”\u00a0 (R.J. Evans)4) Divisions That […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1470","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","post-preview"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1470","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1470"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1470\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1480,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1470\/revisions\/1480"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1470"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1470"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1470"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The people of God are troubled by the rapid downward spiral of morality. While there is a host of reasons for this decline, the overarching principle can be summed up in the word postmodernism.<\/em> Briefly defined, postmodernism is the belief that there is no absolute truth; instead, each determines personal truth and lives by this personal standard.
Though the term postmodern makes this idea sound new, it is ancient. The book of Judges attests to this fact with the author stating, \u201cIn those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes\u201d <\/em>(17:6; 21:25). The book of Judges illustrates Israel descending into tribalism and taking on the character of their Canaanite neighbors instead of their holy God. Several of the accounts recorded in the book are shocking even by 21st century standards. However, not everyone fell prey to this postmodern wickedness.
The short book of Ruth begins with the timestamp \u201cin the days when the judges ruled\u201d<\/em> (1:1a). A reader who just finished the preceding book of Judges might expect a terrible story to follow and would likely continue that belief through the first part of the book. The storyline begins with a famine-stricken family traveling to another land. In their exile, the husband and two sons die, leaving only the now-widowed Naomi. Consumed with grief, she changes her name to Mara (bitter), stating, \u201cThe Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me\u201d<\/em> (1:20). While one can sympathize with the plight of Naomi, her bitterness temporarily shielded her from seeing one of the greatest blessings an individual can have: a friend.
While in exile, Naomi\u2019s sons married Moabite women. After the sons\u2019 deaths and Naomi\u2019s decision to return home, both daughters-in-law offered to go with her, with Ruth making this a reality. Renouncing her people and gods, Ruth promised to stay by her mother-in-law\u2019s side: \u201cFor where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge\u201d<\/em> (1:16). Impoverished, Ruth took advantage of God\u2019s protection of the poor (see Leviticus 23:22) and worked to provide for this family of two destitute women. With nothing for personal gain, she showed a spirit of selflessness uncommon in this wicked time.
As she cared for her mother-in-law, Ruth harvested in a field belonging to Boaz. While there was a likely physical attraction to Ruth, Boaz was more impressed by her ethic: \u201cBut Boaz answered her, \u2018All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told to me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The Lord repay you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!\u2019\u201d<\/em> (2:11-12). Boaz protected Ruth and blessed her with abundant portions. In a happy conclusion, Boaz married the young woman and willingly cared for her and Naomi. These two godly souls did right by others while their fellow countrymen did right in their own eyes.
Like Boaz and Ruth, godly individuals of the 21st century are surrounded by corruption; lack of respect for God, deviant sexual behavior, and antagonism for others are but a few of the commonalities with the time of the judges. In this situation, it would be easy to imitate Naomi and become bitter at the prospects that lay ahead. However, to do so would miss what Boaz, Ruth, and a host of godly people who lived in godless times teach: Be the light in the darkness. This is done by not giving up on God. While it may appear that \u201cthe Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me,\u201d such a spirit restricts one from finding opportunities to let light shine. Just after explaining how His people would be persecuted, Jesus commanded, \u201cLet your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven\u201d <\/em>(Matthew 5:16). Even when it looks like the cause of righteousness is being defeated, give glory to the Father.
Echoing the Lord\u2019s words, the apostle Paul encouraged godliness in this way: \u201cSo then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith\u201d <\/em>(Galatians 6:10). The people of God will not defeat postmodernism at the ballot box, nor will they be able to lead a massive uprising to reclaim culture. Emulating the example of Boaz and Ruth, wickedness can be repulsed by doing good when and where one can. If the evening news creates alarm about the direction of society, turn it off and find an opportunity to help someone. In doing so, light will shine in darkness and God will be glorified.
This godly couple had no ambitions to have their story recorded for future readers; however, God knew it was needed. Not only did He record their story, He also allowed them to have a place in the genealogy of His Son. Christians have also been allowed to be a part of this family; commitment to glorifying God allows entry into His family through His Son (see II Timothy 1:9). In humility, may each modern child of God live like these ancient saints. May each honor God by doing good and, in the words of the old hymn, \u201cbrighten the corner where you are.\u201d
— Via Bible Articles <\/em>from the Gooch Lane church of Christ, March 7, 2021
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After my total knee replacement surgery, everyone has been concerned with how well I walk. Are you using a walker? Have you progressed to a cane? Are you able to walk unassisted? I appreciate the concern, and with the Lord\u2019s help along with the doctor, nurses and therapists, I am progressing well. But like everything else in my experience, I began to compare my physical walk to our spiritual walk.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\nWalking: The Gospels<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
But we are more interested now with the figurative \u201cwalk.\u201d<\/em> <\/strong>The Pharisees asked Jesus the question: \u201cWhy do Your disciples not walk<\/strong> according to the tradition of the elders\u2026?” <\/em>(Mk. 7:5). They were obviously referring to the lifestyle <\/em>of a Jew. John used this figure when the multitude of Jews stopped following Jesus: \u201cFrom that time many of His disciples went back and walked<\/strong> with Him no more\u201d<\/em> (Jn. 6:66).
The disciple of Christ is expected to live according to the instructions of Christ. Jesus said in John 8:12, \u201c\u2026I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk <\/strong>in darkness, but have the light of life.\u201d <\/em>To walk in darkness is to walk in ignorance of Jesus\u2019 teaching. Read John 11:9-10 and John 12:35 as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWalking: Acts & Epistles<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Throughout the world\u2019s history, God has given man free will and permitted him to \u201cwalk\u201d<\/strong><\/em> in his own ways (Acts 14:16). Free will though does not mean permission! God\u2019s love, patience and longsuffering allowed man to walk according to his own dictates in order to learn that it is not in man to direct his own steps (Jer. 10:23)!
Disciples of Christ today \u201cwalk<\/strong> in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had\u2026\u201d<\/em> (Rom. 4:12). One is saved at the point of baptism and arises from the waters to \u201cwalk<\/strong> in newness of life\u201d <\/em>(Rom. 6:4). This new walk is in harmony with the Spirit (Rom. 8:1). It requires faith (belief, trust) in Jesus to live this way. \u201cFor we walk <\/strong>by faith, not by sight\u201d <\/em>(2 Cor. 5:7). So how<\/strong> do you walk by faith? By reading <\/em>the New Testament, understanding<\/em> what it says, and following<\/em> its instructions.
Paul said \u201cthough we walk<\/strong> in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh\u201d<\/em> (2 Cor. 10:3). We walk physically in this world, just like every other human being. But we do not live according to the walk of the world!
In the book of Ephesians, <\/strong>Paul repeatedly instructs us to \u201cwalk\u201d<\/em><\/strong> properly. Walk \u201cworthy of the calling with which you were called\u201d<\/em> (4:1), \u201cwalk in love\u201d<\/em> (5:2), \u201cwalk as children of light\u201d<\/em> (5:8), \u201cwalk circumspectly\u201d <\/em>(5:15). It is extremely important to \u201cwalk\u201d<\/em><\/strong> (act) like a Christian should.<\/p>\n\n\n\nFalling?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
— Via Roanridge Reader,<\/em> Volume 36, Issue 10, Page 3, March 7, 2021
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\n“OMG”<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There is an expression, involving the name of God, which is used extensively today — \u201cOh my God!\u201d\u00a0 We hear it on TV, at work, at school, in the home — just about everywhere!\u00a0 One of the most commonly used texting expressions today is \u201cOMG\u201d — \u201cOh my God!\u201d\u00a0 How close do we pay attention to the words that we use?\u00a0 The words we choose to express ourselves are very important.\u00a0 Our Lord tells how important it is to use proper speech in Matthew 12:36-37: \u201cBut I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.\u00a0 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.\u201d\u00a0 Thus, we should be very selective in choosing our words.
Since God is our Creator and Lord, we ought to speak of Him respectfully.\u00a0 In Matthew 6:9, Jesus gave His disciples a model prayer.\u00a0 He begins with \u201cOur Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.\u201d\u00a0 \u201cHallowed\u201d means \u201cto hold as holy, sacred or revered.\u201d\u00a0 Under the Old Law (one of the Ten Commandments), God told the Israelites, \u201cYou shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” (Ex. 20:7).\u00a0 Taking God\u2019s name in vain is to treat it lightly, as if it is useless, a part of idle speech, which manifests disrespect for His name.\u00a0 The Hebrew word for \u201cvain\u201d comes from a word that means \u201cto rush over something or to be careless with it.\u201d\u00a0 Some of the Jews were so concerned about not committing this sin that they went so far as to\u00a0 totally avoid using certain names of God (such as Yahweh\/Jehovah) in their normal conversations.
In Leviticus 19:12, there was a warning not to profane the name of God.\u00a0 To profane the name of God is a serious matter.\u00a0 The term \u201cprofane\u201d means \u201cto treat something sacred with abuse, irreverence or contempt.\u201d
Let it be understood that we are not saying, nor are we implying, that the various names of God cannot be used in conversation.\u00a0 They can and should be used, but, always in a reverent and respectful manner.\u00a0 His name should never be used as an exclamation, \u201cfiller\u201d or slang word, as is the case in today\u2019s use of the phrase \u201cOh my God!\u201d At times we hear people using other expressions as slang such as \u201cMy Lord!,\u201d \u201cGood Lord!,\u201d \u201cLordy, Lordy!,\u201d or \u201cOh Lord!\u201d\u00a0 And, again, the most commonly used expression in texting today is \u201cOMG\u201d — \u201cOh my God!\u201d\u00a0 As Christians we have the responsibility of keeping our speech pure and above reproach.\u00a0 We must constantly guard against using the Lord’s name as an exclamation, a “filler,” flippantly, or in a vain and derogatory manner.
We are reminded of the words of the Psalmist: \u201cHoly and reverend is His name\u201d (Psa. 111:9)
— via R.J. Evan’s Facebook site, March 3, 2014
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-4-<\/p>\n\n\n\nDivisions That Should Not Be<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\nNews & Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The medication Ginger Ann Montero <\/strong>is now on for her shortness of breath and congestive heart failure has been helping. She will be have some more tests performed this Wednesday.
Melotine Davis <\/strong>had an allergic reaction toward something that has caused her right eye to be swollen and shut and has affected the other eye almost the same way.
Doyle Rittenhouse <\/strong>had been nauseous last Sunday morning, due to the 2nd covid-19 vaccine he received. But he is now doing better.
And for continual prayer: Rick Cuthbertson, Nell Teague, Malachi Dowling, Vivian Foster, Larry & Janice Hood, Jim Lively, Rex Hadley, A.J. & Pat Joyner, Deborah Medlock, Shirley Davis, Chris Williams, and Cameron Haney.
Daylight Saving Time begins March 14 at 2 a.m. <\/strong>Don’t forget to set your clock forward one hour before going to bed.
——————–<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2) Believe<\/strong> in the deity of Jesus Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent<\/strong> of sins. For every accountable person has sinned (Romans 3:23; Romans 3:10), which causes one to be spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1) and separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 6:23). Therefore, repentance of sin is necessary (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30). For whether the sin seems great or small, there will still be the same penalty for either (Matt. 12:36-37; 2 Cor. 5:10) — and even for a lie (Rev. 21:8).
4) Confess faith<\/strong> in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized<\/strong> in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21). This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27). For from that baptism, one is then raised as a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), having all sins forgiven and beginning a new life as a Christian (Rom. 6:3-4). For the one being baptized does so \u201cthrough faith in the working of God\u201d (Col. 2:12). In other words, believing that God will keep His word and forgive after one submits to these necessary steps. And now as a Christian, we then need to\u2026
6) Continue in the faith<\/strong> by living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Matt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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<\/strong>Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
<\/strong>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. <\/strong>
evangelist\/editor: <\/strong><\/strong>Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
<\/strong><\/strong>Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com
<\/a>https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/go\/all.htm\/<\/a> <\/strong><\/strong>(older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"