Historical Posts
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
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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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
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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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
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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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
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
Return to the Home Page
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
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
Return to the Home Page
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
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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A Friend of the Father
Thanks to Johnny O. Trail from the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ for the content of this post.
Scripture calls Abraham a “friend of God.”
One such characterization is made of Abraham in James 2:21-24. The verses say, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” – and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” This description of Abraham is more significant than we sometimes think. The implication is that God was proud to call Abraham His friend.
Would God be proud to call you his friend?
A friend is “somebody who trusts and is fond of another.” “Somebody who thinks well of or is on good terms with somebody else.” Does God think well of you? Are you on good terms with Him? These thoughts are worthy of much consideration.
James’ words in James 2:21-24 could very well be an allusion to 2 Chronicles 20:7 which says, “Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?” This passage promises to give the land to the descendants of Abraham. Again, Abraham is called God’s friend, but why?
Abraham was God’s friend because he was obedient to God’s commands.
Genesis 22:1-2 says, “After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” One would imagine that there was much trepidation that went along with this commandment. After all, this was Abraham’s only son according to the covenant promise of God. Moreover, there was an emotional toil that went along with this commandment from Jehovah. Most parents could not imagine being put in such a situation, but Abraham was.
It is incredible to consider, but Abraham was completely obedient to God’s will.
Genesis 22:9-12 “When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built the altar there and laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to slaughter his son. But the angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me.” God knew that Abraham was faithful, because he followed through with the commandment of God, knowing God was his friend. By the same token, God knows that we are faithful and are His friend when we follow through with all of His commandments – not just the ones we chose to obey.
Scripture teaches that obedience and faith are inseparably linked.
Hebrews 11:8; 17-19 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going…. By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” Abraham’s life was characterized by faithful works of obedience. If one wants God to call him His friend, he must be faithfully obedient to His commandments.
All people should want to be counted among God’s friends.
How does one do this?
John 15:14 says, “You are my friends if you do what I command you.” Once again, the importance of obeying God’s commands is underscored in this passage. The disobedient cannot be saved or counted among God’s friends.
Jesus is the Author, Source, Architect, and Originator of our salvation.
Who can be saved?
Only the obedient have the expectation of eternal life. Hebrews 5:8-9 says, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” That is, Jesus learned the cost of obedience which was death upon a Roman cross at Calvary.
One must be obedient to the gospel in order to have eternal life.
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 says, “In flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.” The obedient will be a friend of God and obey the gospel, but what is the gospel?
Simply stated, the gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4, teaches, “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you – unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.” How does one obey the gospel?
One obeys the gospel at the point of baptism. Romans 6:1-4 “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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.” Notice from these passages that baptism is likened unto a death, burial, and resurrection.
Would you be a friend of the Father?
If you would be His friend, you need to submit in faithful obedience to His will by observing and practicing all of His commands. All other friendships are worthless if God is not able to call us His friend.
Johnny O. Trail preaches at the Sycamore Chapel Church of Christ
2699 Old Clarksville Pike
Ashland City, TN 37015
615-746-8624
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
Return to the Home Page