Historical Posts
World of our Grandchildren
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.What will the world of our grandchildren be if the church does not evangelize?
Luke 11:28 – “But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.”
In what way are people “blessed … that hear the word of God and keep it”? Of course, the route to Heaven must pass through these gates, but is Heaven the only blessing, or is there a blessing to be had in our world today?
Look at the declining moral state of our modern society in today’s world. What do we see?
- brutal brawls in the arena of games
- lavish lying and criminal corruption in business and politics
- unabashed undress in movies and television
- mass murder over toys and recreation
These all result from the of rejection of the righteousness which is learned from the word of God.
Some don’t keep the word now because they have chosen to refuse the guidance of God, but most don’t keep the word today because they were never taught it growing up. Now our society and “modern” world is doing even more to ensure that this and future generations of children will hear even less of God’s word, and will be taught to disdain it even more.
If the church doesn’t increase evangelism, it votes to let others mold society. And then what will the world of our grandchildren be?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Christian Participation in Government
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.Should the child of God become involved in politics and government?
To hear some people talk on social media, it seems that one is committing sin to complain about anything political or to differ from what any person in politics or government offers as public policy and law. It is almost as if they believe that we should follow our leaders like mindless sheep down any path that is put forward regardless of how immoral or wrong their policy might be. Such considerations should not be determined along party lines. What is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong regardless of political affiliation.
One might think this is clear cut in regards to issues that exist in our nation that are egregiously wrong. Murdering the unborn is sin. Homosexuality is sin. Same sex marriage is sin. Sadly, there are Christians in social media and other settings that seem to argue for these moral wrongs under the banner of “it is politics and it should not matter!”
Even so, the logic of this idea is not founded or rooted in scripture. Politics and government do not fall under some special category that God does not consider on the Day of Judgment. All of our works will be considered by God. While it is true that our primary focus is the proclamation of Christ and His life giving gospel, we are not precluded from having a role in political and government affairs as long as that role does not result in immorality. 2 Timothy 2:4 says, “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.”
Still, there are those who issue complaints about Christians weighing in on issues that are decidedly political in nature. Is the child of God expected to merely follow without expressing any objections? If one takes this position, it might be argued, incorrectly, that one should not vote, call government representatives, or participate in any political discussions at all. Clearly, one can see the absurdity of such an idea.
How would one make this argument from scripture? The Apostle Paul was one who stood for his rights when he was improperly imprisoned. As a Roman citizen, he had special rights under the law of the Roman government. Understanding this fact, Paul used his rights when he was thrown into prison for no real reason. Acts 25:11 says, “If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Paul had a right to fair treatment from the Roman government under Roman law.
As one considers the political and moral landscape, it is sadly apparent that Christians today are living in perilous times. This is true in America and in other nations. Just recently the government in Houston, Texas issued a court order demanding that preachers turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, opposition to “gender neutral bathrooms, or the lesbian mayor that the city. Starnes writes:
The city of Houston has issued subpoenas demanding a group of pastors turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, gender identity or Annise Parker, the city’s first openly lesbian mayor. And those ministers who fail to comply could be held in contempt of court. 1
Should we sit idly by while our rights under the constitution are being trampled over and ignored? The law and the government in our land is for the protection of all people – Christian or otherwise.
If it was wrong for Christians to be involved in politics and government, several of the people converted in the book of Acts would have had to leave their government jobs behind. Cornelius was a member of the Italian cohort (Acts 10:1). This was a Roman military unit designed to be the right hand of Caesar in supporting his policies. The Philippian Jailor was a part of the Roman Judiciary (Acts 16:23). One does not see either of these men resigning from their positions in government as a part of the repentance that is required before a person becomes a Christian (Luke 13:3, 5).
This is not the time for Christians in America to be shy about standing for what is right, including participation government and the political process. Scripture encourages God’s people to be strong and courageous regardless of what is faced in life. Joshua 1:7 says, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”
1 Starnes, Todd (2014). “City of Huston Demands Pastors Turn Over Sermons.” Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/10/14/city-houston-demands-pastors-turn-over-sermons/
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
Humble Living
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.Humble is defined as “not proud or haughty: not arrogant or assertive.”
One problem that many people in our world have today is the inability to be humble and express humility. People are so self-centered that they are unable to acknowledge that their blessings originated from a source greater than themselves. God’s holy writ warns against pride and suggests the exercise of humility in all of life’s circumstances.
Haughty pride is a disgrace in the sight of God. Proverbs 6:16-19 “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” The phrase “proud look” is translated “haughty eyes” in the ESV. One with haughty eyes is not humble. He is a person who looks upon others in a blatantly and disdainfully proud manner.
From this, we learn that one who has a proud look is guilty of looking down upon others as if he is superior to or better than other people. As a matter of fact we are to condescend to those of low estate. Romans 12:16 says, “Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.” That is, we are to humble ourselves in such a manner as to be intellectually available to all those who pass over our pathway. We are forbidden to be respecter of persons based upon distinguishing worldly characteristics (Acts 10:34).
In some situations, human pride has even determined that God is not important or even thankworthy for the accomplishments that we achieve in our lives. James 4:6 says, “But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.” God thwarts the purposes of those who are proud, but He gives unmerited favor to those who express humility and are humble. The proud will be lost because they are unable to admit their shortcomings and ask for God’s help.
If we would be great in the kingdom of God, we are expected to humble ourselves in the same manner as a small child. Matthew 18:1-4 says, “At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” One who is truly converted will obediently follow God in complete humility.
In light of the aforementioned passage and comments, it is feared that there are some who are not truly converted to Christ. There is a distinct difference between one who has merely been baptized and who has been totally and completely converted to New Testament Christianity. This is not to imply that baptism is not essential for salvation (Acts 2:38; 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16 et al). It is, however, a statement about the importance transforming and becoming the kind of person God desires.
Conversely, God will exalt the humble. James 4:10 says, “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” The humble person acknowledges God as the source of all that he possesses, all that he has accomplished, and all he will ever be. The humble person knows that all things are done in vain without the help or blessings of God.
The humble person understands the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice and the horrific price of their sins. It is humbling to consider that the Creator of the universe would die for our sins. Romans 5:6-8 says, “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” It is incredible to consider that the sinless, perfect Son of God would offer Himself for our transgressions!
In our age, people seem proud of behaviors that are shameful to their core. In one instance, the church at Corinth was proud of the incestuous relationship that was happening in their congregation. 1 Corinthians 5:2 says, “And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” Sin is something that the people of God should never be pleased about having in their midst.
Instead of being ashamed, worldly people in our generation proudly parade and exhibit their depravity. Gay pride parades, same-sex marriage, and immorality openly displayed underscore this point. By engaging in such activities, people seek to gain acceptance and add legitimacy to their wicked choices. Isaiah 3:9 says, “For the look on their faces bears witness against them; they proclaim their sin like Sodom; they do not hide it. Woe to them! For they have brought evil on themselves.” In previous decades, homosexuals were “in the closet,” but this is not the case any longer. Immoral and proud of it is the common mantra of our age.
The humble person is ashamed of his sins and asks God for His forgiveness. David displayed great shame in light of his transgressions. Psalm 51:1-3 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.” David understood how horrendous his sins were in the sight of a holy and just God. We should be just as sensitive.
God’s children need to be humble and maintain humility in all of life’s situations. We should have enough humility to speak with any person about Christ and His atoning sacrifice. Any consideration of Christ should humble any person who wishes to come into His presence.
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
Citizens Have Obligations
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.Obligations of Citizens
Discharge your obligations as citizens in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel
The McCord Translation of the Everlasting Gospel says in Philippians 1:27, “Finally, discharge your obligations as citizens in a manner worthy of Christ’s gospel, so that, whether I come and see you, or am away, I may hear how things are with you: that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one heart, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” Philippians 1:27 KJV says, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” Our manner of life must reflect the fundamental message and nature of Christ’s gospel. As citizens of heaven, we must live faithfully, obediently, and godly so that others might see the message of Jesus living in us.
Citizens of various states and nations have obligations
From a political standpoint, there are obligations that come with being the worldly citizen of various states and nations. One of the major obligations over the millennia is the payment of taxes. All citizens are expected to pay their fair share of money for the continuation and support of the government. This has been the case for most all of recorded history. It is a true axiom that death and taxes are constants in this earthly existence.
Another obligation for citizens is for the defense of the city state. Most nations expect their citizens to serve in the military. Some nations practice forced conscription. Some countries draft in a time of war. Still, some want people to volunteer for service. The point is that most organized governments expect something of their citizenry.
God wants His people to be active citizens
By the same token, God wants His people to be active and working in His kingdom. New Testament Christianity is not a religion of complacency. Many have reached the false conclusion that all they had to do was done at the time of their baptism – nothing could be farther from the truth. We are expected to be laboring in the kingdom to fulfill the obligations of being His citizens.
Most Christians know this, but we are all citizens of Heaven. Philippians 3:20 ESV says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 3:20 KJV says “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” As citizens of the Heavenly city, we are expected to behave in a certain manner. Certain actions are obligatory in nature.
Just as some nations expect citizens to serve in the military, God expects His people to engage in spiritual warfare. Per Paul’s discussion of the armor of God, God wants us to wage an offensive and defensive battle against Satan for our own souls and the souls of lost humanity. Ephesians 6:11-13 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” When one considers the entire context of Ephesians 6, it becomes evident that God wants His people to do more than merely defend themselves. He wants us to engage others with the sword of the spirit. One cannot fight a battle that is singularly defensive in nature and expect to win any ground.
As citizens of the kingdom, we are expected to contribute to the work for the purpose of growing the church. James 1:22 says, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” All Christians are expected to be actively and constructively involved in the work of the church. Evangelism, edification, and benevolence are things that every child of God is expected to do. We are privileged to be Christians in the service of our king.
As citizens of the kingdom, the Philippian saints were to stand firm in one spirit and strive together for the faith of the gospel with one mind. Philippians 2:2 says, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” The biblical concept of “one” was valuable in the mind of Paul to the first century church, and it is valuable to our age as well. For any effort to be successful there must be a unified front. Division among those serving in the kingdom can create confusion and problems in the body of Christ.
The concept of one is described by Paul in Ephesians 4:3-6, “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” A kingdom that is not united will ultimately fall apart.
Unity should be the hallmark of all believers. Jesus made this point in the prayer He uttered to the Father just before His crucifixion. John 17:21 says, “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” In matters of doctrine, there is no compromising for the sake of unity. Citizens of the kingdom should avoid the very appearance of rebellion by seeking and obeying God’s will in all matters.
It should be a joy to serve God as citizens in His Kingdom
As Christians we are privileged to be citizens of Heaven; however there is a great degree of responsibility that comes from such a wonderful privilege. It should be a joy to serve God in His Kingdom and to teach others about Him. We must fulfill our obligations by being about our Father’s work (Luke 2:49).
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
True Love
Thanks to Jim Miller, working with the Gray Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
True Love is More Than Just an Emotion
True love involves caring about those around you enough to be tough when necessary. What most people today define as love is really just an act if you ask me and I will tell you why. Love has been redefined so that it no longer includes correction, rebuke or reproof of any kind. Most people today think that love is overlooking the sins of others and just trying to see the good in all people. They tell you that love will not allow chastisement. Preachers and teachers are often accused of lacking love because they rebuke and reprove. If anybody lacks love they are nothing, but by the redefinition of love today you are told that rebuke and reproof do not manifest true love and so the watering down of the word begins.
True Love Will Not Compromise Truth or Overlook Wrong
Preaching and teaching the hard things, the whole counsel of God, is done out of true love for souls and the truth of God. Today the liberal will not tell you that one way God shows his love is by chastening (Hebrews 12:6), and parents do the same (Proverbs 13:24). True love necessitates chastisement. True love will not compromise truth or overlook wrong. The liberal flatterer and the compromiser are the ones who lack true love. They are only interested in themselves.
Today men and women are taught that love will not permit you to hate anything. “If one hates, he doesn’t love” expresses the attitude. Yet, all through the Bible we are taught to hate certain things. The Psalmist said, “I hate every false way” (Psalm 119:104). Christ hates iniquity (Hebrews 1:9) and false doctrine (Revelation 2:15). Solomon said of God, “These six things doeth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him” (Proverbs 6:16). Yet, God is love (1 John 4:8).
Genuine Love Produces Obedience
The liberal’s redefinition of love seeks to nullify obedience. “If we love God with all our hearts, he will overlook a lack of strict obedience to his will” is their idea today. However, strict obedience to Gods word is how we show our true love. John wrote, “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected…” (1 John 2:5). Genuine love produces obedience. One who will not obey does not love as he ought to love. The liberal just sees one side of God. They forget that God is a God of severity as well as a God of goodness.
True Love Rebukes When Needed
There are a good many things the liberal will try to pass off as love which are not really love. Their disposition is to treat love as some kind of sweet, syrupy kind of sentimentalism. This is clearly shown by the liberal with reference to the comments that they make when it becomes necessary to rebuke the doctrinal or ethical errors of a brother. Liberals most often act as if the man who rebukes the errors of another does not have love for him. The fact is, a good many of the rebukes which are made spring from true Christian love.
When one recognizes that this brother needs to be rebuked to call him back to the way of truth the liberal will stand against doing so when we have clear examples such as the manner of Paul, who from a spirit of love, withstood Peter to his face (Galatians 2:11-14). Paul manifested the spirit of true love toward Peter in rebuking him. Had he ignored Peter’s conduct, Peter might have continued in his sin and lost his soul; we do know that Peter stood condemned. Yet, Paul’s rebuke called him back to the way of righteousness; he restored his brother, covered a multitude of sin, and saved a soul from death.
We simply must recognize that sometime it is for the best good of a man for him to be rebuked and punished! When it is for the man’s good, the one who truly loves him will administer such a rebuke and punishment.
The True Meaning of Love Must Be Retained
The redefining of words such as love so as to remove the true meaning has a stranglehold in many churches today. I warn you, beware these men who preach smooth things teaching all is peace and love without correction and with no intent in preaching the whole counsel of God. They will surly lead you to hell.
Jim Miller
13 Liberty Avenue
Gray, Maine 04039
207-299-0454
Sorry I’m Late
Thanks to Jim Miller, working with the Gray Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
Sorry I’m Late But…
I will be the first to say yes there are at times legitimate reasons to be late for class or services. That is not what I am going to address here, so do not get your knickers in a bunch.
Every Christian knows that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day and that they need to be prepared both physically and mentally for that day of worship. The same concept applies to mid-week Bible study and Gospel meetings and any other times the church comes together, such as an all sing night etc.
There are times when illness or some unforeseen event will keep us from assembling however, for a Christian who knows full well the times and places for which they are to assemble, for them to be in the habit of saying, “Sorry I’m Late”, and not to be ready for these known events, something is very wrong.
What Could Be More Important?
How can a Christian follow Matthew 6:33 and not care enough to be up and ready or to allow something to come between them and God? You have to ask what could possibly be more important than one’s worship of our Creator. We know the the times set aside for Bible classes and we know exactly what time we meet for worship. We know the dates and times of Gospel meetings and are given plenty of advance notification to arrange to be present. Why would we be saying, sorry I’m late?
Do you really believe that God is pleased when you allow things to come before Him? When you come in late, and even though it may be a small distraction to those already singing, praying or studying, do you think God is pleased with your actions? You know whether you’re the type that might need to get up a little earlier in order to get ready on time. You know that there is a set time for each meeting. You know that Bible study and class are important and needed and the times that they begin. You know well the scripture that tells us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some (Hebrews 10:24-26).
You can not live by the old adage better late than never. Honestly answer this question; what is more important than your service to God? What could possibly be that important?
Is There A Heart Problem?
We have a real heart problem today when we have gotten used to brother so and so always being late. We have come to expect it and accept it. Instead, we should be explaining that it is not acceptable and teach him the importance of being on time, or even early. This is not to mention the fact that most who show up late are the first ones to head for the door as soon as the service is over. This clearly shows a heart problem and that brother so and so wants to do other things that are more important to him.
Personally, I look forward to the first day of the week and any other meetings decided upon. It gives me time to learn what God expects of me and it brings me joy to know I am doing what my Creator expects of me. Frankly, I don’t believe we spend enough time even on Sunday when we set aside a mere two hours in the morning and maybe an hour in the evening for worship to God. I would like to think I would have been one of the first in attendance to hear Paul preach and be one of the last to leave when he ended his preaching at midnight. But I digress…
Make Preparations And Plan Ahead!
Decide to stop saying, “Sorry I’m Late.” You know you need to be in Bible class and most do not even start until between nine and ten am. You have several hours to get ready before hand and you know the night before what day it will be when you awake. We need to find a way to instill in the hearts of men a true love of God and His Word. That is what it really boils down too when you think about it.
Do yourself a big favor: set out your clothes the night before, set your alarm plenty early so you have time to get ready and eat and do everything else you need to do so that you can be on time. Do these things and you won’t be saying, “Sorry I’m Late” anymore! After all God is waiting on you.
Jim Miller
13 Liberty Avenue
Gray, Maine 04039
207-299-0454
Rivers of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.Psalm 119:136 KJV – “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.”
Psalm 119 is about the Bible: the origin, nature and authority of it, and the attitude toward it – of believers, of unbelievers and of God Himself. When the penman looked at the people of the world, he was “grieved, because they kept not thy word” (Psalm 119:158 KJV).
When you and I consider the lost condition of the multitudes among whom we live, our reaction can take one of three courses. We can:
[1] ignore the situation as something we cannot change
[2] judge them guilty of ignoring their Maker and His love
[3] fear for their souls, and try to teach them eternal truth
Probably most of us take the first course. Sadly, some take the second. Our God-inspired example is to feel the “rivers of waters” and the third course.
The apostle Paul had “great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:1-3 KJV). When he thought of those who had set themselves as enemies of Christ and opponents of the gospel, he wept (Philippians 3:18).
What makes you weep and moves you to rivers of waters? Personal injury and loss? The suffering of a loved one? These things should bring upon us throes of compassion, but the Christian’s love should be broader than to include only those of his own company.
“For God so loved that He gave…” (John 3:16 KJV) “For the love of Christ constraineth us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV) How will the lost be saved if the saved don’t care?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Moved with Compassion
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.God motivated saints are moved with compassion to care for the needy and help when they can. Every contact with the lost is an opportunity for evangelism.
Mark 6:34 KJV – “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”
A world in need comes to the church for help in paying bills and buying groceries. Not always, but often, people need help from others because they are experiencing the result of their previous poor decisions. Usually our poor decisions result from not having an established plan for life that guides us to success.
Regardless of the cause of the need, God-motivated saints are moved with compassion to care for the needy and help when they can. Jesus, when He came out to the people and saw their lack of direction in life, “was moved with compassion toward them … and he began to teach them many things.”
Let us not forget the true purpose of the church. While the stomach is growling, the ears may not hear anything else, but in every contact with the lost there is an opportunity for evangelism. We may not find it, but as servants of the Master we should certainly be looking for it.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
The People Perish
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.Proverbs 29:18 KJV – “Where there is no vision the people perish.“
This verse is often referenced by those who would encourage us to think ahead, or to exercise wisdom in making our plans for the future, but that is not the message in the verse. The next portion of the same verse makes that clear when it says, “but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
The “vision” in the verse is not a clear understanding from experience, skill or wisdom. It is a revelation from the Lord. Ezekiel said, “then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.” (Ezekiel 7:26)
When people refuse to hear the word of God and heed it’s admonitions, they are doomed to perish. It was proven true of the Ammonites, the Hittites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Sodomites and many others. They are gone because they did not heed the word of God.
How many of today’s nations will suffer the same fate? And how soon? Let us preach the gospel more urgently than ever before, lest our people perish.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
No Rule Changes
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.Expect No Rule Changes from God.
“And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” – Deuteronomy 3:23-27
We know what is expected of us, as Moses had known when he struck the rock, and now in this life is the time to do it. Asking God to change the rules later did not work for Moses, and it will not work for us. No rule changes should be expected.
It is not mercy that changes the rules with respect to persons, but anarchy; God will respect His word, and so, therefore, must we.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
It Can Not be Part True and Part Myth
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.” – Matthew 24:38
Jesus said that Noah lived and the flood happened as it is recorded in Genesis. If the flood story is false, as many affirm, then Jesus is a liar.
You either take the whole Bible, or you reject the whole Bible; it can’t be part true and part myth, because it is all one complete revelation.
It is often said that “the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” Just so, every page of the Bible is inextricably linked to every other page, the entire account depending upon every word.
The Old Testament was written as God moved men to write (2 Peter 1:21), and the New Testament was preached and written in the words of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Not part true and part myth – all of it true.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Such Were Some of You
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.Such WERE some of you… means there was a change.
“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11
The “such” to which Paul refers is the list of ten sins in the two preceding verses (1 Corinthians 6:9-10): fornication, idolatry, adultery, effeminacy, homosexuality, thievery, covetousness, drunkenness, revilement, and extortion. Some were involved in those sins, but no more. Such were some of you.
The doctrine has recently reappeared (did it ever completely disappear?) that baptism makes an adulterous marriage suddenly sanctified. It has been oft-repeated, though wrongly, “You can make the Bible say anything you want it to say.” It has also been said that “a text out of context is a pretext.” Those who want to believe their own ways delude themselves in thinking that the Bible supports them.
Paul does not say here that sin is no longer sin because sinners became Christians. They were cleansed from sin, not in sin (compare 1 Corinthians 3:17; 6:18-20). The context of these verses is that Christians no longer think, speak and behave according to the philosophy and morality of the world (1 Corinthians 5:1; 9-11; 6:7; 15-17).
Sin is not cleaned up by obedience to the gospel; it is cleaned out. If you are still in the same sin to which you were bound before your baptism, where is the obedience to the gospel? Where is the change? How can it be said, such were some of you?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
In The Likeness
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.Romans 6:5 – “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection“
Therefore, those baptized for another reason – in another likeness – are not in the likeness of His resurrection – are not walking in newness of life (Romans 6:4), and have not crucified the old man (Romans 6:6), and are neither dead unto sin, nor alive unto God (Romans 6:11). The likeness of the death and the likeness of the resurrection are linked.
Sincere people often ask, and several have asked on FaceBook pages, “even though I was immersed in that other church, do I need to be immersed again?” Think on this, and then answer the question. Salvation is not based on immersion; it is the result of transforming conversion:
- When one is baptized because he believes (Mark 16:16)
- When he is baptized because he knows that is what God requires for his salvation (1 Peter 3:21)
- When he is baptized as a willing and submissive response to the authority of Jesus (Matthew 28:19)
When baptism is based on these things, one is saved by the grace of God, and not by his own choices and actions (Ephesians 2:8-9). Think on these things and determine your answer about being immersed again.
“IF we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, (THEN) we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” Did you only give your body to the water, or did you give your heart to Jesus Christ?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
An Effective Preacher
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.What makes an effective preacher?
Acts 18:24-28 – “And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus…”
In describing Apollos and his work, Luke, by the inspiration of God, lists six qualifications of an effective preacher:
[1] an eloquent man;
[2] mighty in the scriptures;
[3] instructed in the way of the Lord;
[4] fervent in the spirit;
[5] he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord;
[6] (is easily taught when in error, as) they took him unto them and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
The effect of such work by such an effective preacher: He helped them much which had believed through grace, and this he did publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
Considering that all Christians are to be effective preachers with their lives, could all of the same be said of you?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Baptism is a Burial
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.Baptism is an immersion, or a burial, in water.
I was reading a 1936 history of Beech Grove, Tennessee a few years ago. It revealed an interesting fact about certain Confederate Soldiers who and their burial around the region. It seems that farmers in the area were complaining about the improper burial of soldiers who had died in battles around the small community.
In their haste to escape from advancing Union Soldiers, the Confederate Army placed their dead comrades in shallow, insufficient graves. In some cases, these deceased soldiers were barely covered with dirt and left to be ravaged by the elements. Needless to say, this created a morbid, grotesque scene for farmers and citizens of the region to contend with on a regular basis. Moreover, it was a constant reminder of a terrible war that cost so many American lives.
As late as 1935, farmers were complaining of having to farm around the remains of these soldiers that were, in some cases, above the ground. They wanted these men to be exhumed and have a proper burial, so they would not be continually farming around the remains of dead soldiers. In response to the complaints, the bodies were exhumed and placed in a Confederate Cemetery that is located just off of I-24 on the Coffee County / Bedford County line in Tennessee. To this day, one can see that particular cemetery from the interstate that runs parallel to the graves.
This reveals a very important principle about baptism that many in our world fail to realize. Baptism is a burial. The very word that is used to describe the process along with certain passages makes this fact apparent.
The dictionary does the Bible student a disservice in defining the word “baptism.” One dictionary defines baptism as “a religious ceremony in which somebody is sprinkled with or immersed in water…” Sprinkling is one way the word is defined by people in our age. This might also be termed baptism by effusion.
First, the Bible makes it plain that baptism required much water. John 3:23 makes this point in regards to the baptism of John. “And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized.”
As a matter of fact the same point is made regarding the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch. Acts 8:37-39 says, “And as they were going along the road they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What prevents me from being baptized?” And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” From this text, we learn that there was enough water for both the eunuch and Philip to go down into and be baptized. The implication is clear. Baptism required “much water,” because it is an immersion, a burial, in water.
In the book of Romans, Paul makes it clear that baptism is a burial. Consider his words in Romans 6:4: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” When Jesus was buried, He was completely encapsulated within a new tomb. Matthew 27:59-60 says, “And Joseph took the body [of Jesus—J.O.T.] and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away.” Thus, it becomes ostensible that any imitation of Christ’s burial would include a complete and total burial under water.
Finally, one might consider the linguistic arguments regarding the proper method of baptism. For this discussion, we need to look at the Septuagint translation of Leviticus 14:15-16. These passages say, “Then the priest shall take some of the log of oil and pour it into the palm of his own left hand and dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and sprinkle some oil with his finger seven times before the LORD.” The three words considered from these scriptures are pour, dip, and sprinkle. In the Greek, these words are cheo (pour), rhantizo (sprinkle), and bapto (dip). This makes it obvious that the scholars who translated the Septuagint version of the Bible knew that there were three separate and distinct Greek words for these different actions.¹
From these arguments, it becomes apparent that baptism means immersion, or burial. As a matter of fact, Dr. Hugo McCord in his translation of the Bible, The Everlasting Gospel, IV ed., consistently renders the word bapto as immersion. Brother McCord does this because the word means “to immerse.” McCord avers in his appendix:
Likewise, the word “baptism” is eliminated, because it is not a translation: “baptism” only anglicizes the Greek word baptisma, using English letters to replace Greek letters, and does not tell what the word means. The root of bapto, “dip” is seen in Luke 16:24: “Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue.”
Thus, the scriptural and linguistic arguments make it apparent that immersion, or burial in water, is in mind when the inspired writers use the term “baptism” in scripture. Still, there are those who reject the truth on this matter. The American Bible Society refuses to translate the word baptisma as immersion. When pressed on the matter they responded. “No translation should employ a word which would rule out one or the other of the interpretations as to the mode of baptism.”²
We should desire the truth in regards to translating words and develop an understanding of their meanings. The translation of baptisma should be of no exception!
¹ Jackson, Wayne (1993). Notes From the Margin of my Bible, Volume I. Courier Publications, Stockton, pgs. 14, 15.
² Ibid, pg. 698-699. The word “mode” in their response is not a proper term to use in connection with the topic under consideration. Hugh Fulford has an excellent discussion of this term in an issue of the Spiritual Sword.
Works Cited:
Jackson, Wayne (1993). Notes From the Margin of my Bible, Volume I. Courier Publications, Stockton.
McCord, Hugo (2000). The Everlasting Gospel, IV ed. Gospel Light Publishing Company, Delight.
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
Selfishness
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.Almost all sin is based in selfishness.
One can trace just about every imaginable sin to selfish behaviors. As a matter of fact, the first sin appealed to the fulfillment of self, selfishness. In offering temptations, Satan wants humankind to focus on himself and be based in selfishness. This is the very thing he did in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 3:2-5 says, “And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
The epitome of Christ and Christianity is self-denial. That being the case, selfishness is the antithesis of true Christian living. Jesus makes this apparent throughout His earthly ministry. Do you see any selfishness in this statement? Matthew 16:24-26 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”
A recent article in the Tennessean regarding the vote on Amendment One underscores the nature of selfishness. A woman from Alabama was interview regarding the upcoming vote on the aforementioned amendment. She was alarmed to learn that Tennessee was trying to close the loopholes in its existing abortion laws. Notice how many times this woman seeking an abortion uses the term “I”:
“I know a lot of people are excited when they hear they’re pregnant, but I felt like I was looking at a brick wall between me and everything I wanted to do by the time I hit my 30s and 40s,” said Mae, who asked that her full name be withheld to protect her privacy. “I was not in a place where I physically, emotionally, mentally and financially could, in all clear conscience, bring a child into the world.”
Can you see the selfishness? Simply stated, she saw this unborn child as a hindrance to her future happiness. The unborn child erected a “brick wall between [her] and everything [she] wanted to do…” Nonetheless, she felt comfortable having premarital sex so she could fulfill the selfish needs of her flesh. She wanted all of the pleasure of a sensual relationship but none of the responsibilities that come along with it. Regardless of what many claim, the vast majority of abortions are done as a means of birth control so people can maintain their own selfish lifestyles.
Arrogance and pride are also sins associated with selfishness. When one assumes that he is successful without God’s assistance, the fall of that person is coming quickly. This was one of the faults of the king of Assyria. Notice what Isaiah says about him. Isaiah 10:12-14 says, “When the Lord has finished all his work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, he will punish the speech of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the boastful look in his eyes. For he says: “By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom, for I have understanding; I remove the boundaries of peoples, and plunder their treasures; like a bull I bring down those who sit on thrones. My hand has found like a nest the wealth of the peoples; and as one gathers eggs that have been forsaken, so I have gathered all the earth; and there was none that moved a wing or opened the mouth or chirped.”
Contrary to his self-inflated opinion, the king of Assyria is merely a rod of correction in the hands of God. Notice what is said in Isaiah 10:15 “Shall the axe boast over him who hews with it, or the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if a rod should wield him who lifts it, or as if a staff should lift him who is not wood!” A few chapters later King Sennacherib would see the defeat of his army at the gates of Jerusalem and his own death at the hands of his sons. Isaiah 37:36-38 says, “Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. So Sennacherib king of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and dwelt at Nineveh. And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer his sons smote him with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Armenia: and Esarhaddon his son reigned in his stead.”
When one removes God from his future plans, he is doomed to failure for God is the one who sees and controls the future of all people. James 4:13-15 says, “Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”-yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” We should endeavor to seek God’s will for our lives and include Him in all of our plans.
Selfishness, focusing on self, is a means of self-destruction. Romans 2:8-9 says, “But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek.” This is further echoed by Paul in 2 Timothy 3:1-5. “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
God calls upon His followers to be selfless in regards to their Christian walk, giving up selfishness. Jesus was the epitome of a selfless servant of God seeking only His father’s will in faithful obedience toward Him. He had no selfishness. Philippians 2:5-8 says, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” We should strive to like the Master in our service to mankind, giving up selfishness. May we endeavor to be like Him every day.
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
Renewing Our Zeal
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.Our zeal for Christ and His church should be seen.
It is easy for the people of God to become discouraged and lose their focus at times, lose their zeal. Scripture encourages Christians to maintain their zeal for serving God. Titus 2:11-15 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
We are to be “zealous for good works” as laborers in God’s vineyard. Zealous is defined as “ardently active, devoted, or diligent; full of, characterized by, or due to zeal.” Suffice it to say that we are to be “ardently active” in doing good things for the benefit of the kingdom of God. This being the case, there are several areas wherein we need to renew our zeal.
One area that the church seems to lack enthusiasm for is personal evangelism. God wants Christians to be zealous for winning souls to Christ. I Peter 2:9-10 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
All Christians are part of the “royal priesthood.” That is, we are intercessors on behalf of God to people who are outside of Christ. There is no such thing as a clergy and laity class in the church. All the people of God are priests who are expected to teach their fellow man about Jesus. Thus, we need to realize that God expects every single one of us to be teaching alien sinners about Jesus and have zeal in doing so.
The great commission was not just for the twelve apostles. God expects every one of His disciples to be working at converting people to Christ. John 4:35 says, “Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” Without reapers working with zeal, the harvest will turn to rot and ruin.
Christians need to renew their zeal for restoring erring Christians. Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Many congregations of the Lord’s people could increase attendance significantly if they were able to restore those who simply dropped out of service in the church. That being said, there must be an effort that is made to demonstrate that we are concerned about people who have become apostate.
God’s people need to renew their zeal for church attendance. We receive so many blessings from assembling with the saints in the presence of God. It is a tremendous source of encouragement to be around people who are in accord regarding their service toward God. In reality, we need to be present for every service of the church. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
As the aforementioned passage states, assembling allow us to “stir up one another to love and good works.” In congregational settings, we are made privy to situations with brethren and people in our communities who might need benevolent assistance. Sometimes we become aware of things that were previously unknown regarding our own brethren. A group of likeminded people with zeal can accomplish much good. Everybody needs a good “stirring up” ever once and a while.
We are admonished in scripture to be zealous for good works. As representatives of Christ, we must allow our enthusiasm, our zeal, for Christ and His church to be seen by those around us. If we show no passion and zeal for our Christianity, the world around us might very well assume that our devotion is hollow in its final summation.
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
A Study of the Rapture
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Thanks to Roger Genung from the Delight Church of Christ for this outline.
Introduction
A. Last week I viewed an ad for a new ‘Left Behind’ movie.
1. 15 books for adults, 40 titles for children, multiple movies, 1,397,900 (as of Thursday) followers on Twitter, a trilogy of video games and audio dramatizations (these are being aired on Christian radio) have made this a multi-million dollar business to spread error concerning the return of our Lord.
2. The basic idea of the books make it good fantasy, but that is all it is fantasy! We need to be spreading the truth to those who have believed this story. Some of you have expressed your concern over this false teaching. Thanks be to God that you are concerned!
B. Another term for “rapture” is “dispensational premillennialism”.
1. It started about 1830 from the mind of John N. Darby. Dispensationalists believe that all human history falls into seven dispensations. According to them, we live in the sixth which is called the dispensation of “Grace”. The seventh and final age is called “The Millennium”.
2. Dispensationalists teach that our age will end with the “Rapture”.
C. The “Rapture” is contrary to the Word of God. We will look at this.
Body
I. “Rapture” teaches that the saved will be taken while the lost remain on earth and there are three different resurrections.
The Bible says:
A. Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43
B. John 5:28-30
C. We need to help others to understand that when the end comes all will be judged together. The idea of “rapture” teaches that the lost which remain on earth will have a “second chance” to obey during the seven years of tribulation. This is not true!
1. All will come out of the graves at the same time.
2. All will meet at the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10).
II. “Rapture” teaches a secret “coming” of the Lord along with two future “comings”.
The Bible says:
A. I Thessalonians 4:16 and Matthew 25:31ff (…all the holy angels with Him…)
B. Hebrews 9:27-28
C. The Bible speaks of the Lord’s return as anything but secret.
1. The timing of His return is kept from us, but the event itself, is not! All will see and know of His coming.
2. Jesus never stated, nor was it even recorded, that He would come back more than once. II Peter 3:10 states that when Jesus does return to judge the world, the earth and the works will be burned up.
3. After His return, there will be no earth left to return to another time.
III. “Rapture” teaches the Antichrist will lead forces against Christ and that the battle of Armageddon will bring in the kingdom.
The Bible says:
A. II John 1:7 (Four verses speak of antichrist – I John 2:18, 22, 4:3)
B. II Thessalonians 2:1-4
C. We should be teaching others that antichrist is anyone who denies Christ has come in the flesh.
1. The term is never used in the Bible to mean just one man who is a leader of forces of evil.
2. The battle of Armageddon is not some futurist war…the warfare that God and His followers are involved in is not carnal.
3. God does not need men to fight His battles (II Kings 19:35).
4. We are fighting this spiritual battle right now! – II Corinthians 10:3-4
Conclusion
A. The second coming will be on the last day, all the dead shall be raised, all mankind will be judged and be sent to their eternal destinations, and the earth will be destroyed.
B. May God bless your study of His Word – II Thessalonians 2:13-17
Morning Sermon at the Delight Church of Christ on September 14, 2014 by Roger Genung
1224 Henderson
St Delight, AR 71940
870-379-2808
Other Sheep
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.John 10:16 – “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
It is sad that some people still, as they did in the days of Peter (2 Peter 3:15-16), pervert the scriptures. One religious group, very active in television advertising and door-to-door work all over the world, teaches that the “other sheep” of which Jesus spoke are Jewish descendants in North America. Don’t let such people lead you into their deception.
Writing what the Spirit told him to write (1 Corinthians 2:13), Paul explained to the Ephesian church that Jesus, in talking of the other sheep, was talking about the Gentiles (compare Ephesians 2:11-18). In speaking to the elders of that church (Acts 20:28-29) he referred to the mixed assembly of Jews and Gentiles as “the flock of God,” singular in number and equivalent to the “one fold” (the one church) under the “one shepherd” (Jesus).
God’s plan to unite Jew and Gentile (in the church) is not a mystery; it has now been made known (Colossians 1:27), and does not require the fanciful interpretation of uninspired men. Neither does it require even another book from God (Galatians 1:8-9).
Those who are wrongly “dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15) are doing so “to their own destruction” (2 Peter 3:16).
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Trust God – audio
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The People of Israel needed to trust God to provide for them each day (Exodus 16:16-20). We can see this past example, but do we see our own challenges?
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose” – Romans 8:28
The promise is to “those who love Him”. Are we truly loving Him by keeping His commandments? – John 14:23; 1 John 5:3
Do we understand what “good” is? – Isaiah 55:8
We need to do our best to think like God, see good as He does, love Him and trust Him that he is working all things for our good.