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\u201cGo therefore and make disciples of all the nations\u2026teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age\u201d (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).
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Contents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) \u201cArrows in the Hand of a Mighty Man\u201d (Jarrod Jacobs)
2) Rejoice in Hope (Joe R. Price)
3) The Holy Spirit: A Distinct, Divine Being (Greg Gwin)
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-1-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jarrod Jacobs<\/p>\n\n\n\n
David, the sweet psalmist of Israel (II Sam. 23:1), penned a song concerning the home and family in Psalm 127. He wrote, \u201cExcept the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.\u201d While there are many things we could discuss from this psalm, in this article, let us focus upon verse 4: \u201cAs arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What a word picture this paints for us! Imagine the bowhunter who trains so as to make sure he hits his mark when it counts. This person not only works at his aim, but also takes care of his bow and arrows so they are ready for the hunt. He realizes that each piece cannot function properly without the other. In fact, his reputation as a \u201cmighty man\u201d is the result of where and when he shot his arrows!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, we see this man is \u201cmighty\u201d because he shot his arrows purposefully toward his intended mark. In other words, he did not shoot randomly like the poem, \u201cI shot an arrow into the air, where it landed I know not where\u2026.\u201d He had an intended target in mind, and shot his arrows toward that target. What does this statement from Psalm 127:4 teach us about parenting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, parents have a purpose. Parenting is more than just proving your ability to reproduce. Parenting means taking responsibility for another life (or lives) and trying to make sure this life is productive in following God\u2019s will (Eph. 6:4) and productive in society. When we appreciate what God expects of us in parenting, it just proves again why God knows best in saying that parenting belongs to a married couple (Heb. 13:4). Not only does marriage keep us from fornication (I Cor. 7:2), but in such a relationship, we bring children into this world where both father and mother work together in the training and admonition of these precious ones. From Abraham\u2019s day, we see this is God\u2019s purpose for parents. God said of Abraham, \u201cI know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment \u2026\u201d (Gen. 18:19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, Psalm 127:4 shows us that just as arrows don\u2019t fire themselves from the bow, so also children cannot be left to raise themselves. David\u2019s son Solomon understood this. He said, \u201cThe rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame\u201d (Prov. 29:15). Children make foolish decisions (Prov. 22:15), and they need training and encouragement from parents so that they can grow up, be parents themselves, and continue this process for another generation (Prov. 22:6). Parents, whether they have one or a dozen children, cannot put matters on \u201cauto-pilot\u201d and expect a good result when it comes to child-rearing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, we see that the \u201cmighty man\u201d purposely sent his arrows in the direction intended. In other words, he had a purpose in mind. Sometimes, we find parents who never intend for their \u201carrows\u201d to leave the \u201cquiver\u201d! Thus, children grow up and seem to have no direction, or purpose in their lives. This is not right. Parenting requires we send our \u201carrows\u201d out into the world so that they can benefit this world as \u201cshining lights\u201d (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:14-15).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bible is clear concerning how parents ought to act and the parent\u2019s purpose in training our children in the right way. If we have been lacking in this area, let us repent and start today to follow the Lord\u2019s will. In truth, following what the Lord says will benefit us, our children, the church, and the community in which we live. Don\u2019t be selfish, but selfless. Let us give our children the \u201ctools\u201d necessary for living in this world and preparing for the next, so that our children can prepare their children in the same way!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Via The Old Paths,<\/em> August 16, 2015 -2-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Joe R. Price<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why does the farmer plow his fields from sunrise to sundown during the blistering hot summer? Because he hopes for the harvest (1 Cor. 9:10). Hope energizes us to endure through present trials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hope combines our desires and expectations, producing a powerful force that influences faith and living. Unfortunately, hope can be misplaced. Many put their hope in the wrong things. They hope in money, as if that will solve their problems. It will not (Eccl. 2:8, 10-11; Matt. 6:19-21, 24; 1 Tim. 6:6-10). Others hope in their own wisdom and power (1 Cor. 1:18-25). Others hope in their fame. Some put their hope in their own strength to overcome, as if they need no one and nothing else (Jer. 17:5). None of these things give true hope. The Bible is clear that none of these things can possibly assure us of heaven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Christians rejoice in the hope of eternal life that is found in Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:2; 12:12; Col. 1:27). We were \u201csaved in hope\u201d (Rom. 8:24). The gospel called us to the living hope of eternal life (Eph. 4:4; Titus 1:1-2; 1 Pet. 1:3). Christ is our \u201chope of glory\u201d (Col. 1:27). He alone is the source and the culmination of our hope of future, heavenly glory (Col. 3:4; Heb. 6:19-20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning from the past strengthens our hope of the future. Romans 15:4 says this is exactly why we must learn the Old Testament Scriptures. Here are a few of those Scriptures that comfort us and strengthen our hope:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1) Genesis 3:15:<\/strong> The hope of victory over Satan and sin is predicted. The gospel reveals this victory in Jesus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2) Judges 7:<\/strong> Hope is sustained as we watch Gideon and God\u2019s 300 defeat the massive army of Midian. Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 Jno. 5:4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3) 1 Samuel 17:<\/strong> David\u2019s faith to face Goliath comforts us in hope as we face giant opponents of truth and godliness even today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4) Psalm 16:8-11: <\/strong>We are comforted knowing David\u2019s hope for the future was not in vain. God fulfilled His promises to David through Jesus Christ (Acts 2:25-32, 34-36). He will fulfill His promises to us, too. 6) Ezekiel 37:1-14:<\/strong> Ezekiel\u2019s vision of the valley of dry bones returning to life gave the remnant hope to endure the Babylonian exile. God turns death into life. What joyous hope!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Christian\u2019s hope is sure and steadfast. Our hope is an anchor that secures us in life\u2019s storms, safely mooring us to God\u2019s grace through our faith (Heb. 6:19-20). Let us ever \u201crejoice in hope of the glory of God\u201d (Rom. 5:1-2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Via The Spirit\u2019s Sword, <\/em>May 8, 2016 -3-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greg Gwin<\/p>\n\n\n\n The dictionary defines a \u201cperson\u201d as: \u201ca being characterized by conscious apprehension, rationality, and moral sense.\u201d Certainly, the Holy Spirit has the identifying marks of a distinct personal being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as \u201cHe\u201d (John 14:26; 16:13). He possesses \u201cwill\u201d or desire (1 Corinthians 12:8-11). He makes judgments (Acts 15:28). He does things which manifest personality. He: searches (1 Cor. 2:11); teaches (1 Cor. 2:13); speaks (1 Tim. 4:1); testifies (John 15:26); leads (Rom. 8:14); forbids (Acts 16:6,7); convicts (Heb. 10:29); hears (John 16:13); and intercedes (Rom. 8:26,27).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Holy Spirit suffers things that reflect personality. He: can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30); can be insulted (Hebrews 10:28,29); can be resisted (Acts 7:51); can be spoken against (Matthew 12:32); can be lied to (Acts 5:3,4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, the Holy Spirit possesses the attributes of deity. He is eternal (Hebrews 9:14). He is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10). He is omniscient (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). And the works that God does (omnipotence) are also attributed to the Holy Spirit (Job 33:4; Psalms 104:30). In fact, in Acts 5:3,4 the Holy Spirit is actually identified as God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Holy Spirit is one of the three divine beings of the Godhead. He possesses distinct personality and owns all the attributes of deity. We must acknowledge and honor Him as God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Via The Beacon,<\/em> March 15, 2016 1) Hear<\/strong> the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30,31). \u201cGo therefore and make disciples of all the nations\u2026teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age\u201d (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013 Contents: 1) \u201cArrows in the Hand of a Mighty Man\u201d (Jarrod Jacobs)2) Rejoice in Hope (Joe R. Price)3) The Holy Spirit: […]<\/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-740","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\/740","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=740"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/740\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":741,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/740\/revisions\/741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=740"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=740"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=740"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nRejoice in Hope<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
5) 1 Kings 18:20-40:<\/strong> The dramatic display of God\u2019s presence and power at Mt. Carmel confirms that our hope in the living God is properly placed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Holy Spirit: A Distinct, Divine Being<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Steps That Lead to Eternal Salvation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2) Believe <\/strong>in the deity of Christ (John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent <\/strong>of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
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 <\/strong>(Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21). \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
6) Continue in the faith, <\/strong>living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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<\/strong>Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA\u00a0 31501
Sunday <\/strong>services: 9:00 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 5 PM (worship)
Wednesday: <\/strong>7 PM (Bible class)
evangelist\/editor: <\/strong>Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com<\/a>
http:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/go<\/a> (Older version of Gospel Observer website without pictures)
http:\/\/ThomasTEdwards.com\/audioser.html<\/a> (audio sermons)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"