{"id":2571,"date":"2023-12-24T17:31:41","date_gmt":"2023-12-24T22:31:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/?p=2571"},"modified":"2024-01-11T17:57:20","modified_gmt":"2024-01-11T22:57:20","slug":"the-gospel-observer-438","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/2023\/12\/24\/the-gospel-observer-438\/","title":{"rendered":"The Gospel Observer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

“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) Fill Your Speech With Grace (Josh Coles)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
2) My Attitude Toward God’s Word (Bryan Gibson)
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-1-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fill Your Speech With Grace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Josh Coles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Have you ever been on the receiving end of grace? Here\u2019s a good definition for the word grace: \u201cthe acceptance of and goodness toward those who cannot earn or do not deserve such gain\u201d<\/em> (Mounce\u2019s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old\/New Testament Words<\/em>).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\u00a0So, again, have you ever been on the receiving end of grace? If so, how did it make you feel or how did it change you? Wasn\u2019t your heart immediately filled with thanksgiving, joy, and even humility? As a result, didn\u2019t you respond by expressing that thankfulness, joy, and humility? Grace affects not only our actions, but our speech as well. So if you\u2019ve been on the receiving end of grace, then your speech should be different afterwards \u2013it should be filled with grace. Well, all Christians have been on the receiving end of God\u2019s grace and He expects for us to speak gracious words. But how is this done?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giving Grace to Those Who Hear<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear <\/em>(Eph. 4:29, ESV).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Before we study Ephesians 4:29, let\u2019s set up the context so we understand more fully what\u2019s going on. In 4:17-23, it\u2019s taught that once we become a Christian our lives should be radically different, so Paul discusses what this radical change should look like and in 4:29 he focuses on our speech.

First, \u201clet no corrupting talk come out of your mouths\u2026.\u201d <\/em>This \u201ctalk\u201d is rotten (i.e., in the sense of rotten fruit), worthless, unwholesome, or putrid. These words destroy and tear down quickly (James 3:5-6). This type of speech is the complete opposite of gracious; for no kindness, favor, or mercy would be included in it. How many times we say something only to realize the damage we did afterwards. Words are powerful. If used incorrectly and ungraciously they can do a lifetime of damage. So, as Christians who are attempting to fill their speech with grace, we don\u2019t allow any corrupting talk to come out of our mouths.

Secondly, \u201c\u2026 but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion.\u201d <\/em>You could use the word \u201cedification\u201d here as it means \u201cto build up.\u201d In order to be gracious with your words, you need to stop using worthless, harmful words and replace them with words that \u201conly\u201d<\/em> help and encourage. You need to use words that make a person better once he hears them; however, this takes skill, wisdom, effort, and even courage to accomplish. Think of it in this sense: if you were constructing a building from the ground up, you would need to build it piece by piece and scrutinize which pieces to use in order to make sure it will be strong for years. In the same vein, when it comes to our words, we need to scrutinize which ones we\u2019ll use in order to be as effective as possible in helping others grow and become better. This scrutiny is what Paul meant when he said, \u201c\u2026 as fits the occasion.\u201d Please note that this type of encouragement goes beyond just normal chit-chat. So, as Christians who are attempting to fill their speech with grace, we need to replace \u201ccorrupting words\u201d with words that \u201cbuild up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Giving Grace to Unbelievers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone<\/em> (Col. 4:3-6, NIV).<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

In Colossians 4:3-6, it seems the command to \u201cgive grace to those who hear\u201d<\/em> becomes much more target specific, with the emphasis placed on giving grace to unbelievers. By Paul requesting prayers from the Colossians for opportunities to speak with unbelievers, we learn that these occasions are incredibly valuable; thus, they should always be taken seriously and not dealt with haphazardly.\u00a0\u00a0

Paul begins by instructing that their speech be full of grace and seasoned with salt. Well, we already know what it means to fill our speech with grace, but what does he mean to \u201cseason with salt\u201d<\/em>? Let\u2019s consider the uses for salt: it preserves, purifies, cleans, and enhances. Salt preserves, purifies, and enhances; therefore, our speech should preserve, purify, and enhance those around us and the conversations we\u2019re involved in. Meaning, our speech should clean up the conversations at work, school, parties, etc. Yet, there is salt that will clean and purify a wound, but it may not be a pleasant process due to stinging. Likewise, there may be speech we use that will sting. Nevertheless, it\u2019s still gracious speech because it\u2019s building up. Sometimes we need to hear those tough words in order to grow and become better. For example, Jesus used tough words, especially with the Pharisees, but they were gracious because they were said in order to build them up.

This passage also clearly teaches that we must speak in this way so we\u2019ll know how to respond to unbelievers and take advantage of these opportunities. Along these same lines, the Holy Spirit said, \u201cBut in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect\u2026\u201d<\/em> (1 Pet. 3:15, NIV). You see, these opportunities may be limited and what is said may affect the unbeliever for years to come \u2013 whether positively (grace) or negatively (corruption). So we cannot approach these situations thoughtlessly. In these delicate situations, too many believers confuse boldness with condescension, rudeness, and hostility. These characteristics are corrupting and certainly no grace, gentleness, or respect is involved with them. Now please don\u2019t misunderstand me, I am not saying we shouldn\u2019t staunchly defend the gospel, but this passage, among others (2 Tim. 2:24-26), states we must do so with grace-filled speech. Some believers may have good intentions, but a lack of preparation caused them to miss the moment and cause harm in the process. So play these situations out in your mind and plan what you\u2019ll say so you can impart grace and not corruption.

Well, the verdict is in: we need to fill our speech with grace and this is the only appropriate reaction in light of the grace God has extended to us. As Christians, we are testimony to the power of God\u2019s grace and if we don\u2019t allow it to fully transform us, then the world will learn that God\u2019s grace is insufficient and inadequate\u2014 which is blasphemy. Therefore, please examine your speech and pray for God\u2019s help to cultivate gracious speech instead of corrupting speech.

God\u2019s tremendous grace should transform us to the point we use speech that ONLY builds up and refrain from speech that corrupts\u2014 especially when it comes to our conversations with unbelievers.<\/strong><\/mark>

\u2014– Via Truth Magazine,<\/em> Volume 58, Number 5, May 2014

https:\/\/www.truthmagazine.com\/archives\/volume58\/2014_05_May_Truth_Magazine.pdf?fb

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-2-<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My Attitude Toward God\u2019s Word<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bryan Gibson

Psalms 119 is a long tribute to God\u2019s word. 176 verses, and all but two (122, 132) use some term to describe God\u2019s word (testimonies, law, judgments, statutes, precepts, etc.). This ought to be a good place, then, to see exactly what my attitude toward God\u2019s word should be.

I should regard it as the truth. <\/strong>\u201cAll Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right\u201d (128). \u201cYour law is truth\u201d (142). \u201cAll Your commandments are truth\u201d (151). \u201cThe entirety of Your word is truth\u201d (160). See also 1 Thessalonians 2:13.

I should be in awe of it. <\/strong>\u201cPrinces persecute me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word\u201d (161). One “who trembles at My word” (Isaiah 66:2)–that’s exactly what God wants me to be.

I should delight in it.<\/strong> \u201cI will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word\u201d (16).

I should love it. <\/strong>\u201cMy hands also I will lift up to Your commandments, which I love\u201d (48). \u201cOh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day\u201d (97). \u201cI love Your commandments more than gold, yes, than fine gold!\u201d (127).

I should hate anything contrary to it.<\/strong> \u201cAll Your precepts concerning all things I consider to be right; I hate every false way\u201d (128). \u201cThrough Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way\u201d (104).

\u2014 Via Plain Words from God\u2019s Word,<\/em> October 30, 2023

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Jeremiah 15:16<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts\u201d (NASB).

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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1) Hear\u00a0<\/strong>the gospel — for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30-31).
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2) Believe\u00a0<\/strong>in the deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God (John 8:24; John 3:18).

3) Repent\u00a0<\/strong>of sins.\u00a0 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).\u00a0 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>\u00a0in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 8:36-38).

5) Be baptized\u00a0<\/strong>in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Pet. 3:21).\u00a0 This is the final step that puts one into Christ (Gal. 3:26-27).\u00a0 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 <\/strong>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<\/strong><\/strong>
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA  31501<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sunday: 9 a.m. <\/strong>Bible Classes and 10 a.m. <\/strong>Worship Service.\u00a0\u00a0 Congregational Song Service<\/strong>: 5 p.m. for every first Sunday of the month.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wednesday: 7 p.m. <\/strong>Bible Classes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

evangelist\/editor:\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong>Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
<\/strong><\/strong>Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com

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


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“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) Fill Your Speech With Grace (Josh Coles)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02) My Attitude Toward God’s Word (Bryan Gibson)——————– \u00a0 -1- Fill Your Speech […]<\/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-2571","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\/2571","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=2571"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2571\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2576,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2571\/revisions\/2576"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2571"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2571"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2571"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}