2) What\u2019s Your Opinion of the Lord Jesus Christ? (Fred McKinney)
3) A Swarm of Gospel \u201cBe\u2019s\u201d (Austin Mobley)
4) On Reading God\u2019s Word (short statement) (Tom Edwards)
\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"https:\/\/thegospelobserver.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/07\/temper-5.jpg\"\/](\"https:\/\/thegospelobserver.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/07\/temper-5.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n-1-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Controlling Our Temper<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
R.J. Evans<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Brother John Clark once related a story about a woman who told a preacher she had a bad temper, but that it was over in a minute. \u201cSo is a shotgun blast, but it blows everything to pieces,\u201d was the preacher\u2019s reply. And far too many of us who are Christians are triggered by the least little incident, frequently losing our temper. When we lose our temper, we usually do and say things in anger which we later regret. \u201cHe that is soon angry dealeth foolishly\u201d (Proverbs 14:17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It has been said that \u201canger is like rain, which breaks itself upon that whereon it falls.\u201d For example, anger usually culminates in bitter words, insults, the revealing of secrets or in the breaking off of relations between two parties. Of the aforementioned, insults are probably the most frequent cause of anger. Most of us had rather be injured physically than insulted. There is something about an insult that makes us want to repay with a worse insult. How many of us possess the magnanimous spirit of Abraham Lincoln when he was insulted? It is reported that when he was told that one of his cabinet members, Edwin Stanton, called him a fool, he replied, \u201cIf Stanton says I am a fool, I had better look into the matter, for he is a wise man.\u201d No doubt that worked much better than if he would have retaliated by losing his temper, setting off a chain reaction with much more bitterness and resentment to follow. Incidentally, after Lincoln was killed, it was Stanton who remarked in subdued tones of respect, \u201cThere lies the greatest leader this country has ever known.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bible teaches us the importance of practicing self-control. It is listed as the \u201cfruit of the Spirit\u201d in Galatians 5:22-23, and among what we sometimes refer to as the \u201cseven Christian graces\u201d in II Peter 1:6. Self-control is one of the Christian\u2019s weapons against the world. And practicing self-control involves controlling our temper. We must follow after Christ\u2019s example \u2014 \u201cWho did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously\u201d (I Peter 2:22-23). The person who continually loses his temper is like an undefended city or one in ruins. The wise man Solomon said, \u201cHe that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls\u201d (Proverbs 25:28). What a sign of weakness when we constantly lose our temper! And it is certainly a poor reflection of Christ in our lives when we \u201cfly off the handle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christians must learn to be calm and serious. James said, \u201cWherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath\u201d (James 1:19). This brings to mind the motto: \u201cThink twice before you speak. Losing your temper, blurting out angry words, and speaking your mind excites strife. \u201cA soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger\u201d (Proverbs 15:1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAngry words! O let them never
From the tongue unbridled slip;
May the heart\u2019s best impulse ever
Check them ere they soil the lip\u201d
(author unknown, first appeared in Sunday School Teacher, 1867).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Via Articles from the La Vista church of Christ<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Editor\u2019s note: The \u201cD\u201d word in the picture I included above had said \u201cDanger.\u201d\u00a0 Losing our temper can be a very dangerous thing \u2014 and especially concerning our souls. -2-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fred McKinney<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pharisees of old<\/strong>, with what would you reproach Jesus? \u201cHe ate with sinners and publicans\u201d (Matt. 9:11; Mk. 2:16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n High Priest, Caiaphas<\/strong>, what have you to say of Him? \u201cHe is a blasphemer, because he said\u201d: \u201cHereafter ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power and coming in the clouds of heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pontius Pilate<\/strong>, what do you say of Him? \u201cI find no fault in this man\u201d (Lk. 23:4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Oh Judas Iscariot<\/strong>, have you a charge to hurl? \u201cI have sinned against innocent blood\u201d (Matt. 27:4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Centurion at the cross<\/strong>: \u201cTruly, this was the Son of God\u201d (Matt. 27:54).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Demons, servants of Satan<\/strong>, testify: \u201cHe is the Son of God\u201d (Lk. 23:47).<\/p>\n\n\n\n John the Baptizer<\/strong>, speak up prophet; what\u2019s your word? \u201cBehold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world\u201d (Jn. 1:29).<\/p>\n\n\n\n John, the Apostle<\/strong>, tell us clearly, what say ye? \u201cHe is the bright and morning star\u201d (Rev. 22:16).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Simon Peter, Cephas<\/strong>, what think ye of Jesus Christ? \u201cMaster, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God\u201d (Matt. 16:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thomas<\/strong>, you saw the resurrected Christ, what say ye? \u201cMy Lord, and my God\u201d (Jn. 20:28).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paul, the Apostle<\/strong>: you persecuted Him, but changed your mind; what say ye? \u201cI count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord\u201d (Phil. 3:7, 8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Glorious angels in Heaven<\/strong>, what think ye of Christ? \u201cUnto you is born a Savior, which is Christ the Lord\u201d (Lk. 2:10-11; Ps. 68:17).<\/p>\n\n\n\n And most important, indeed, our Father in Heaven<\/strong>, our Creator<\/strong>; what say Ye? \u201cThis is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased\u201d (Mk. 1:11; Jn. 12:28).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Via The Spirit\u2019s Sword,<\/em> Volume 14, Number 23, July 24, 2011 -3-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Austin Mobley<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you observed how powerful little words in the Bible are? Take the word \u201cif\u201d for example. Jesus said, \u201cIf ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins\u201d (John 8:24). If our mother Eve had been wise regarding what the little three-letter word \u201cnot\u201d meant, the old devil would not have deceived her (Gen. 3:4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The little word \u201cbe\u201d is used frequently in the Bible, and the thoughts connected to it contribute to our salvation. Here is a swarm of gospel \u201cbe\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Wise.<\/strong> \u201cBehold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves\u201d (Matt. 10:16). Thus the Lord warned the twelve as He sent them on their mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Faithful. <\/strong>\u201c\u2026be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life\u201d (Rev. 2:10). The circumstances in which the beloved apostle John was at the time were not very favorable. He was exiled on the lonely isle of Patmos. The incentive held out was \u201cbe faithful \u2014 the crown of life.\u201d That was all John needed to deepen his faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Ready. <\/strong>The Lord says, \u201cTherefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not, the Son of man cometh\u201d (Matt. 24:44). The Lord could come again at any time. We could pass away and all opportunities to get ready for judgment (John 5:28-29) would be gone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Unmovable.<\/strong> In our present day this admonition is just as pertinent to every member of the body of Christ as when Paul wrote it by inspiration of the Holy Spirit. \u201cTherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord\u201d (1 Cor. 15:58).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Ye Doers. <\/strong>\u201cBut be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves\u201d (James 1:22). It is not enough to hear the word of God, but those who are blessed put it into practice every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be Baptized.<\/strong> \u201cAnd now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord\u201d (Acts 22:16). To be baptized into Christ (Gal. 3:27) is to be obedient from the heart to that form of teaching (Rom. 6:3-4, 17-18). One is then delivered from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God\u2019s dear Son (Col. 1:13).<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have not obeyed the Lord and Master in the primary principles of the gospel, I pray that you will attend to that immediately. If you have obeyed him, Be Faithful, Be Doers, Be Wise, Be Unmovable and you will Be Ready.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Via The Providence Light, <\/em>February, 1984 -4-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Though it might be that we have read through the entire Bible several times, yet if we cannot remember it all from Genesis to Revelation, then that should help us realize the need we have to keep perusing the Scriptures \u2014 and give us the incentive in doing so \u2014 in order to continually refresh our minds with God\u2019s word.\u00a0 For it contains words of life and food for the soul (cf. Jn. 6:63; 8:52; Matt. 4:4; Jn. 4:34).<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Tom 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 1) Controlling Our Temper (R.J. Evans)2) What\u2019s Your Opinion of the Lord Jesus Christ? (Fred McKinney)3) A Swarm of Gospel \u201cBe\u2019s\u201d […]<\/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-934","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\/934","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=934"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/934\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":935,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/934\/revisions\/935"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=934"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=934"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=934"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s Your Opinion of the Lord Jesus Christ?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"https:\/\/thegospelobserver.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/07\/be.jpg\"\/](\"https:\/\/thegospelobserver.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/07\/be.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA Swarm of Gospel \u201cBe\u2019s\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"https:\/\/thegospelobserver.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/07\/reading-the-bible.jpg\"\/](\"https:\/\/thegospelobserver.files.wordpress.com\/2015\/07\/reading-the-bible.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOn Reading God\u2019s Word<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe 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 <\/strong>(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 (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
6) Continue in the faith<\/strong>; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013
<\/strong>Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
<\/strong>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><\/strong> (older version of the Gospel Observer website, but with bulletins going back to March 4, 1990)
http:\/\/ThomasTEdwards.com\/audioser.html<\/a><\/strong> (audio sermons)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"