Historical Posts
Doubting Thomas
A hundred years from now what will others remember about us? Probably nothing! That is the truth unless we do something really noteworthy. Men come and go almost without notice. Only a few are remembered long after life has ended, even among the most successful. Perhaps I can illustrate my point.
Who was president a hundred years ago? Vice-president? Only a few get their 15 minutes of fame, and then they quickly fade from view. It may be that the famous are less remembered than the infamous. Genghis Kahn, Attila the Hun, Judas Iscariot, Adolph Hitler, and Joseph Stalin all come to mind. Even an apostle like Thomas is remembered, not for a life of service and devotion to the cause of New Testament Christianity, but for the doubts he expressed resurrection day. Thus, he became “Doubting Thomas”. From what we know of Thomas, the following seems to have been true.
The cross was what Thomas expected; the resurrection was not! It was Thomas who said to his fellow apostles: “Let us go, that we may die with Him.” (John 11:16). Thomas was the natural pessimist. If it could go wrong, he just knew it would.
Following the crucifixion, Thomas made the mistake of withdrawing to deal with his grief when what he really needed was the fellowship of brethren. He was absent when the others gathered in the upper room (John 20:24). (Did you ever stop to consider what you miss when you are absent when the church assembles?)
Thomas’ great virtue was that when he was sure he went all the way! Seeing the resurrected Savior he exclaimed: “My Lord and my God” (John 20:28).
When it comes to Jesus there is no need to be a doubting Thomas. Our faith in Jesus Christ rests on the trustworthy testimony of eyewitnesses (2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1-3). We can be confident that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16). I urge you to read the New Testament. You can have confidence in what you read, and ultimately, you will exclaim with Thomas, “My Lord and my God!”
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Last Words
If you had just one more opportunity to speak to someone dear to your heart, would you choose your words carefully, or would you be casual and flippant in your speech? Would you speak of the important or the trivial?
Those are not difficult questions to answer. We would not waste our time on unimportant and insignificant things. Would that not also be true of Jesus?
What was the final message of Jesus to His disciples? Listen as He speaks His closing words to them.
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20 NASB).
“Go into the entire world, and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16 NASB).
“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and rise again from the dead the third day; and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:46-48 NASB).
“It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:7-8 NASB).
It is not by accident that our Lord’s final message was a call to faith and obedience (baptism), and a charge to take His gospel to the world. His words were not trivial or insignificant! How have you responded to them?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Avoid Hypocrisy – Walk the Talk
“The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: all therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not” (Matthew 23:2-3).
Jesus offered those words of warning regarding the strictest of the Jewish sects. He was not complimentary and pointed out their hypocrisy. It is hypocritical not to practice what one preaches. The Pharisees were notorious for demanding of others what they were unwilling to do themselves.
Francis Bacon once said: “It is not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; not what we preach but what we practice that makes us Christian.”
Our life reflects our relationship. We can talk a good religion and still make a miserable failure of it. The apostle Paul instructed Christians in the church at Philippi: “Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ: so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). What we preach and what we practice must be the same to avoid hypocrisy.
Many people have been “turned off” to New Testament Christianity by the inconsistent practices of “professed” Christians. True Christianity isn’t something we do just on Sunday. It involves a life of holiness, godliness, and righteousness consistently lived every day. Christians are not perfect. We do, however, have a perfect Savior whose life and example we seek to imitate (1 Peter 2:21). We may not always do a good job of it, but we are trying.
Yes, there are some who claim to be Christians who, like the Pharisees, don’t walk the talk and show their hypocrisy. Please don’t judge us all by them.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Not Fair
It was not fair. He had a large and adoring family, was one of the richest men in his community, and was as honest as the day is long. A decent and God fearing man, he seemed to have it all. Suddenly, disaster struck. All ten of his children died in a single accident. His wealth was stolen, and his health failed. His wife demanded, “Curse God and die!”
What would he do? What had happened? Why had he been singled out? His friends argued that it was all his fault. “You’re being punished for your sins,” they said. “Whoever perished being innocent?” But that wasn’t the case. He was a perfect and upright man who feared God and turned from evil. Nothing he had done could account for his troubles.
The simple fact is bad things happen to good people. Life is not fair.
Life isn’t fair. Never was. Never will be. Job knew that. He exclaimed: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). Troubles come to men just as the surely as the sparks fly upward (Job 5:7).
The marvelous thing about Job is that he never lost his faith. He proved that a man can maintain his faith in the midst of trouble. Job is not unique. Bad things still happen to good people, and good people still cling to their faith in the midst of adversity.
We’ve all seen it. A good, decent, honest fellow whose loyalty to Christ was unquestioned is confronted with inexplicable adversity. On the other hand, a man as ungodly as they come may appear to live an easy and carefree life. How do we explain it? Again, life isn’t fair!
A faith that is firm only as long as life is easy and seems fair is no faith at all.
Bad things do happen to good people, and good people find the resources to deal with them through their faith. That’s what Job did. Don’t complain when troubles come. Look eagerly beyond them to what awaits those in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:1). And, exclaim with Job, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Form or Substance?
The apostle Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without selfcontrol, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God; holding a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; and avoid such men as these” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, NASB).
What I find so disturbing about that warning is the fact that Paul was writing about religious people, men who have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. That simply means they wouldn’t let their religion interfere with their lives and be a driving force in their lives.
Paul could not have described more vividly current conditions in the religious world if he had written those lines yesterday. Folks want Christianity without inconvenience or interference. In most churches today Sunday night and Wednesday evening services are a thing of the past. People have become too busy to attend, so the services have been eliminated. Instead, Saturday night and early Sunday morning services are now in vogue so that folks can free up the Lord’s Day for golf, fishing, boating, and family outings. It would appear that religion is fine as long as it doesn’t interfere with our lives.
The same seems to be true in regard to morality. Christianity no longer demands upright living. Right and wrong are relative issues. What may be wrong for me may be right for you. Live your own life, do your own thing. Folks, that simply is not true! Christianity and morality are inseparable (Titus 2:12).
Do you have a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof?
Is your religion one of convenience or conviction?
Do you have the substance of Christianity, or just an empty shell?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Pure Religion
The modern approach to religion is to argue that there is good and bad in every religion. As long as one is religious, it matters little what religion is chosen.
However, the New Testament clearly differentiates between religion which God accepts and that which He does not accept when it refers to pure and vain (worthless) religion (James 1:26, 27). From the Sermon on the Mount it is clear that Jesus was in full agreement with the concepts presented in the epistle of James (Matthew 7:13-23).
Further, the exchange between Jesus and certain scribes and Pharisees over His disciples failure to wash their hands before eating also confirms what James wrote (Matthew 15:1-14).
Practicing Pure New Testament Christianity Demands Four Specific Things
- Pure religion demands a bridled tongue (James 1:19, 26). The tongue is important because our words are a reflection of our hearts (Matthew 12:34, 35). An unbridled tongue nullifies our religious profession. Christians are commanded: “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6).
- Pure religion demands a compassionate heart (James 1:27). God has always demanded that His people be compassionate toward those in need (Deut. 24:19-22). This was at the heart of the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10). We cannot practice pure religion and turn our backs on those who are truly in need.
- Pure religion demands a morally upright life (James 1:21, 27). This theme pervades the entire New Testament (2 Corinthians 6:17; Romans 12:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:19). We must not allow ourselves to be contaminated by the sins of this world (immorality, materialism, unbelief, etc.).
- Pure religion demands an obedient spirit (James 1:22-25). This is the message Jesus used to close the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:24-27).
The point is this: All the ritual in the world is no substitute for a heart of service and a life of purity and obedience. Are you practicing pure religion?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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It Came to Pass
When asked what their favorite verse in the Bible was someone replied, “My favorite verses are all those passages where the words “it came to pass” are found.” The expression is actually used 453 times in 452 verses in the King James Version of the Bible.
In most cases the phrase simply expresses the elapse of time or the sequence of events leading up to some action. However, for us the expression can also mean the coming to an end of something, especially something bad. It is in that context that the expression provides the greatest comfort to Christians. No matter what terrible thing we face, what heavy burden we bear, what awful ordeal we dread, it will eventually come to pass. It will be over. Better days are ahead.
Christians operate on the premise that things work out for God’s people. The apostle Paul expressed it this way: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). We do not believe we are immune from the trials and tribulations of life, but we do believe we will ultimately triumph over them.
And It Came to Pass
There is a certain sense of satisfaction and joy when we have seen something through to completion, especially if it has been physically and emotionally draining. Have you ever had to make a public speech? It is said that most Americans fear public speaking more than they fear death. Do you remember the sense of relief and perhaps euphoria you felt when it was over, when it had come to pass? Probably, what kept you going and ultimately enabled you to succeed was the realization that it would soon be over.
I am convinced we can face anything with calm assurance when we understand that it will ultimately pass. I have watched folks face terrible disease and impending death with grace and dignity because they knew the struggle was about to end and something better awaited them. Whatever it is it will come to pass. Better things are ahead. This is the confidence we have in Christ. A crown awaits (2 Timothy 4:8). Do you share that hope?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Is The End Near?
Every time hostilities erupt in the Middle East, the prophets of doom and gloom kick into high gear. “It’s just what the Bible predicted. It won’t be long until the Lord returns. The signs are pointing to His coming!” I am sure those who make such predictions about the end of the world are sincere, but they could not be more wrong.
Yes, I’m familiar with the passage most often cited, but it has no relevance to current events. The disciples asked Jesus, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Matthew 24:3). These questions were raised in response to Jesus prophecy concerning the destruction of the temple (Matthew 24:1-2). In response to their questions Jesus said: “Take heed that no one deceives you. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginnings of sorrows…” (Matthew 24:4-51). The vast majority of this chapter deals with the destruction of Jerusalem, the Temple, and the end of the Mosaic age.
The Second Coming of Christ and the End of This World
Make no mistake, the Bible warns over and over of the Second Coming of Christ and the end of this world. However, there will be no signs that His return is imminent. His coming is likened to that of a thief in the night (Matthew 24:42, 43; 1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10). At His return He will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). A vivid description of what will occur at His return is provided in Scripture (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10; 2 Peter 3:8-13).
The message of the Bible regarding the Second Coming of Christ and the end of this world is clear. We must be ever vigilant for He may come at any time. The Bible places no emphasis on when He will return, and anyone who claims to know when He is coming is lying.
The good news is that if we are ready, it doesn’t matter when He returns. Are you prepared for the end of this world?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Dealing with Discouragement
On leaving office, in an address to members of his administration (August 9, 1974), President Nixon gave the following advice. “Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember, others may hate you. Those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself.” Pretty good advice for fighting discouragement, though I’m not sure he always followed it.
From time to time we all fight a battle with discouragement. Some of God’s most effective warriors faced discouragement. Elijah felt alone and hopeless. He fled to a cave in Mount Horeb where, in a moment of despair, he cried out: “I, even I only, am left: and they seek my life, to take it away” (1 Kings 19:10). Jeremiah, another of God’s prophets, became so discouraged he resolved not to mention God, or speak in his name (Jeremiah 20:9). He discovered that an impossible task.
At the heart of discouragement is a failure to trust God. We tend to think that so much depends on us, when in fact; we simply need to acknowledge the sovereignty of God. If anyone had reasons for bouts of discouragement it would be the apostle Paul. Yet, here is what he wrote from a Roman prison cell to the church at Philippi: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:10-13).
The devil will do everything in his power to discourage us, but he will not succeed unless we surrender to him. May that never happen! John Bunyan wrote: “Who would true valor see, let him come hither; one here will constant be, come wind, come weather. There’s no discouragement shall make him once relent his first avow’d intent to be a pilgrim” (John Bunyan).
Don’t let discouragement get the upper hand. God will keep His promises. Through Jesus Christ we shall overcome!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Unclean Lips
Isaiah said, “Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips (Isaiah 6:5)…” Isaiah recognized the fact that he is only human, dwelling among many others. As human beings our lips can sometimes get us into trouble. We say things we ought not, we do not say things we should say, we say things in the wrong way, or do not have the talent to speak before people.
Moses called himself a man of “uncircumcised lips (Exodus 6:12, 30).” When God appeared to him, he claimed not to be eloquent, but slow of speech and slow of tongue (Exodus 4:10). He was afraid that as Israel would not listen to him, neither would Pharaoh.
Jeremiah said, “Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth (Jeremiah 1:6).” Sometimes we feel young or inexperienced, and are afraid to speak up. It can be intimidating to speak before a panel of officials regarding important concerns.
Whatever the excuse, there is a remedy! One of the seraphim touched Isaiah’s mouth with a live coal, taking away his iniquity and purging his sin. Immediately he was ready to go as sent (Isaiah 6:6-8). The LORD reminded Moses that He made his mouth, and would go with him and teach him what to say. If it wasn’t enough, he would send Aaron with him (Exodus 4:11-12; 6:7:1). The LORD was with Jeremiah, and touched his mouth, putting His words in them (Jeremiah 1:7-10).
We must remember God is with us! He sent Jesus to cleanse us from our sins. He gave us His Word so we will know what to say. We must not be afraid to proclaim the Word of God – no excuses!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Church Scandals
For several years now the Catholic Church has been rocked by scandals. Literally hundreds of individuals have come forth claiming to have been sexually abused by their priests. Many of them were children at the time the abuse occurred. It seems that the crimes not only happened, but that a deliberate attempt was made to cover them up. Huge financial settlements have been reached with some of the victims, but the problem seems to be so widespread that some dioceses simply lack the financial resources to compensate victims. Compounding the problem is the realization that some of those involved were allow to continue in the priesthood long after their sins were discovered.
The Catholic Church is not the only religious institution to be scarred by the immoral and criminal conduct of its leadership. Protestant institutions have also had their share of scandals. No one claiming allegiance to Christ can take delight in these kinds of things. I know my Catholic friends are just as shocked and saddened by these things as we all are. There is no defense for what has happened, and no defense for those who knew about the problem and failed to take action.
Only the devil and those who side with him can take delight in these kinds of things. I’m sure there are many who see what has unfolded in relationship to these scandals as an indictment of all religion. Those in whom they placed their greatest trust proved untrustworthy. This is not new, nor is it an isolated problem. It is always a mistake to put too much trust in men. Long ago David wrote: “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes” (Psalm 118:8-9). Men sometimes disappoint us, but God never does.
We would all be better served by listening more to God and less to men. From a Scriptural perspective, there is no special virtue in celibacy. Those who argue that there is are in error (1 Timothy 4:1-3). May God help us to put our faith in Him and in His word. He has given us His will in written form. We can read, understand and respond to it.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Danger of Extremes
When eyeglasses were first introduced they created quite a stir. Doctors opposed them as harmful to the eyes, and the clergy insisted that trying to restore failing eyesight by artificial means was an act of defiance against God. Both saw them as a danger to the wearer.
Around the turn of the 20th century, a group of Christians in Evanston, Illinois decided that the fizz in carbonated drinks was a danger as a corrupting influence on the young. They forbade the sale of ice cream sodas on Sunday. To circumvent the rule, ice cream parlors left out the soda and put a topping on their ice cream. This new concoction became known as the “Sunday.”
In Matthew 15 the Lord’s disciples were criticized for eating without first washing their hands. The tradition of the Jewish elders called for the washing of hands before meals. Hand washing among Jews was not simply an act of cleanliness, but a ceremony, and to neglect it was a sin as great as that of eating pork. “He who neglects hand washing deserves to be punished here and hereafter,” says the book of Sohar. They argued, “He is guilty of death…It is better to go four miles to water than to incur guilt by neglecting hand washing…He who does not wash his hands after eating is as bad as a murderer.”
The Law, however, said absolutely nothing regarding this practice. The Law did, however, command that children honor their parents, a practice which the Pharisees sought to free themselves from. Thus, they were more interested in upholding their traditions than adhering to the law of God. Jesus indicted them for binding traditions while ignoring direct commands from the Almighty. He further accused them of paying lip service and not offering heartfelt worship. This was precisely what Isaiah had predicted (Isaiah 29:13). Their worship was “vain” because it exalted the “doctrines of men” and ignored the commandments of God (Matthew 15:9).
In their quest for spirituality they had become ardent enforcers of tradition, but careless in regard to divine commands. Christians must be mindful of that danger and careful not to make a similar mistake. If we do, we will be just as guilty and our worship just as vain!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Confidence in the Gospel
Early disciples were bold, full of faith and had confidence. They were not self-conceited, presumptuous, arrogant, head-strong, or offensively boastful. They merely possessed the confident, calm assurance that faith provides. Notice these examples from the pen of Paul:
- “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).
- “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Corinthians 5:1).
- “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (1 Corinthians 4:13).
How can we effectively reach others if our lives are filled with doubt? We need some of the confidence of the youngster who was drawing pictures with his crayons. His mother asked him what he was doing. “I’m drawing a picture of God,” he said. After his mother patiently explained that no one knew what God looked like, the little boy replied, “Don’t worry mom, when I get done they will!”
We can have confidence in the gospel because we can have confidence in its source – the Bible.
Its claims of inspiration are valid (2 Timothy 3:16). The brevity, clarity, unity and accuracy of the Book are not accidental. Contrary to the claims of unbelievers, nothing in science, archaeology, or history has shown the Bible to be anything other than credible! The Bible owes its origin to God.
We can have confidence in the gospel because we can have confidence in its central figure – Jesus.
No fair minded person today will deny the existence of Jesus of Nazareth. He is an indisputable fact of history. What we know about Him confirms our faith in Him. The historian W. E. H. Lecky, who was not a believer in revealed religions, wrote: “The character of Jesus has not only been the highest pattern of virtue, but the strongest incentive to its practice, and has exerted so deep an influence, that it may be truly said, that the simple record of three short years of active life has done more to regenerate and to soften mankind, than all the disquisitions of philosophers and than all the exhortations of moralists.” (History of European Morals, ii (1869), p. 88).
Like those early disciples, we must boldly proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can have confidence that its message is as true and relevant as ever!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Christian Example
Set A Christian Example
Paul admonished Timothy: “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
Everyone sets an example. It is impossible not to. But, what kind of example do we set? Is it good or bad? Is it a Christian example? That is up to us!
The Pharisees, one of the strictest Jewish sects in the first century, were notorious for their bad example. Jesus one time told an audience, to do as they said and not as they did, for they said and did not (Matthew 23:3). Many a parent has failed, not because of poor instruction, but because of a bad example. Many a preacher has destroyed his effectiveness, not by unsound doctrine, but by unsound living, by failure to set a Christian example.
Six specific areas are selected by Paul for emphasis. Christians must set a good example before others in:
- Speech
- Conduct
- Love
- Attitude
- Faith
- Purity
God calls His people to be accountable to a higher standard. We cannot adopt the ways of the world and set a good Christian example at the same time. In fact, we are specifically warned against the dangers of conforming to the world’s standards (Romans 12:2).
There is one perfect example we should seek to imitate. It is the example of Christ. Peter said of Him, he “left us an example that we should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Our goal is to become as much like Him as is humanly possible so that we can say with Paul, “Christ liveth in me” (Galatians 2:20). The organization of the church was designed with one purpose in mind, to bring the members of His church “unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13).
Our success or failure in the Christian endeavor is determined, to a great extent, by the way we conform to the example of our Lord. If we are what we ought to be, others will know by our Christian example that we belong to Jesus. And, by a good Christian example they will be brought to Him.
We can have no effectiveness if our example is bad. We must not forget the Bible’s demand to every Christian: “Be thou an example of the believers…”.
Are you setting a good Christian example?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Pillar of Truth – The Church
The church is the pillar of truth!
“These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:14-15).
Many churches have abandoned long held beliefs regarding both doctrine and morality. The Bible is no longer viewed as the inspired, authoritative, all-sufficient, inerrant word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17), the pillar of truth and foundation of fatih. And, if the Bible is rejected, then there is no basis for objective truth. Morality then becomes a matter of personal preference.
Churches that have embraced this philosophy no longer believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to God (John 14:6). They now deny such fundamental biblical doctrines as the virgin birth, the deity of Jesus, and His resurrection. For many He was at best a good man. There are many ways to God, they argue, and He is but one of them.
In the realm of morality little is considered inherently evil. We are told to be nonjudgmental and abandon the pillar of truth. We must tolerate different points of view, and be critical of no one. Tolerance is defined as acceptance, and the only sin is that of intolerance. In the quest to incorporate everyone and alienate no one, sin has been airbrushed away. Anyone who argues otherwise is judgmental, intolerant, homophobic, pharisaic, and unchristian. But that’s a lie!
The church must be the pillar and support of truth. This involves doctrinal truth (such things as the inspiration of the Bible, the deity of Christ, His virgin birth, His resurrection, etc.) and moral truth (His call for holiness, righteousness, and godliness). When churches compromise on doctrinal issues it is not long until they give ground on moral matters as well. Compromise has been the name of the game for way too long!
The church ought to be the conscience of society. Christians are called to take a stand for truth and right. We must not conform to the world, but rather strive to bring the world to Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Any church which abandons the truth (doctrinal or moral) cannot be Christ’s church. The church is the pillar of truth!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Locusts
Would locusts cause you to repent?
Locusts were the eighth plague that the LORD sent over the land of Egypt (Genesis 10:3-19). Pharaoh’s servants pleaded with him to allow Moses and Aaron to depart from them, but to no avail. It was described, “They were very severe; previously there had been no such locusts as they, nor shall there be such after them. For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they ate every herb of the land and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. So there remained nothing green on the trees or on the plants of the field throughout all the land of Egypt (Genesis 10:14b-15).”
The prophet Amos wrote of a vision of the Lord God forming locusts at the beginning of the late crop, and they ate the grass of the land. Following this vision, Amos prayed that the Lord God would forgive those that sinned, and He relented (Amos 7:1-3).
Joel tells of the various locusts and the great destruction they may cause in the first two chapters of his book. As the second chapter concludes and the third chapter unfolds, Joel charges the people to repent for the Day of the Lord is coming (Joel 2:12-13; 3:14).
Pharaoh did not truly repent, even after the LORD brought the locusts. Amos knew that God would destroy those that would not repent, but was willing to forgive them. Joel knew that the Day of the Lord is coming, so he charged the people to repent!
Locusts were a good way to show God’s power, and give people a chance to repent. What would it take for us to consider the power of God, and to repent?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Blinded by a False Theology
Starting with a False Theology in mind blinds us to the Truth of God’s Word.
One would be hard pressed to find any doctrine in the New Testament more clearly set forth than the doctrine of baptism. Both Jesus and his disciples spoke plainly about it. This is seen in the fact that, with the exception of the Quakers and Christian Scientists, every other “Christian” group practices some kind of baptismal rite involving water. It is hard to overlook the facts. Jesus, himself, was baptized (Matthew 3:16). He commissioned his disciples to go throughout the world teaching and baptizing (Matthew 28:19). Every account of conversion in the book of Acts culminates in baptism. And, the epistles remind us of the place and importance of baptism (Romans 6:3,4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Ephesians 4:5; 1 Peter 3:20-21). Still, there are those who seek to minimize the place of baptism in man’s response to Christ.
Billy Graham, in his book Approaching Hoofbeats, wrote: After the people had heard Peter’s great sermon at Pentecost, “they were pricked in their heart and said unto Peter and the other apostles, `Brothers, what shall we do?'” (Acts 2:37). Then “Peter replied, `Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” We cannot escape that word repent. (Page 147).
Did you notice the conclusion, “We cannot escape that word repent?” What happened to the words “be baptized”? Apparently they did escape notice. Ironically, baptism has escaped the attention of a large segment of the “Christian” world in its preaching and teaching. This has occurred, as I mentioned earlier, in spite of the emphasis placed upon it in the New Testament.
How can folks be blind to what the Scriptures say on the subject? The answer is really quite simple. They go to the Bible with their minds already made up. Having embraced the false theology of the concept of justification by faith alone, they ignore anything which demands some action or response on man’s part in addition to faith. That is why Martin Luther rejected the epistle of James. In that epistle a clear correlation between faith and works is set forth. This was contrary to Luther’s theology, so it he rejected it.
No honest Bible student could ever forcefully argue that a man can earn, achieve, or merit his salvation by good works. And, no honest Bible student can ever demonstrate a living faith apart from works (James 2:17-20).
Baptism is intrinsic to the whole scheme of redemption as set forth in the New Testament. It is neither more nor less important than the other commands of Christ. It is, like the others, an essential part of His plan, and those who ignore it commit a serious error. One which will have eternal consequences.
Have you been baptized? If we can help, please let us know.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Things Written Before
The things written before are there for our learning.
Romans 15:4: “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Paul understood that there were many things written by the Law and the Prophets, and he referenced several in his letter to the Romans as well as other epistles, giving us insight into these things written before.
Jesus Christ knew what was written before. He quoted Scripture to overcome the temptations of Satan (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10). He taught His disciples, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled (Matthew 5:17-18).”
The Law and the Prophets were written before to point the way to Jesus Christ. Many writers in the Old Testament wrote about things concerning the coming of Jesus and His kingdom. When Jesus came and established His church, those sayings were fulfilled!
Having a good understanding of Old Testament things written before is a good foundation to help us understand the New Testament. However, once the law was fulfilled through Christ, we are no longer under the Old Testament. What is the purpose then of the things written before? “But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (Galatians 3:22-25).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Preaching has a Purpose
Preaching must meet with the approval of the Almighty and accomplish His purpose.
The clarion call of the apostle Paul was: “PREACH THE WORD” (2 Timothy 4:2). But what exactly does preaching entail? And, what is the role of the preacher?
Preaching is not entertainment and preachers are not entertainers! Standup comics have their place, but not in the pulpit. The personal satisfaction and joy we derive from the sermon has more to do with our attitude toward the truth than anything else. If we “hunger and thirst after righteousness” the bread of life will satisfy our spiritual needs! We will not need to be entertained.
Preachers are not psychologists charged with building self-esteem and making people feel good (though preaching may have that effect on some). Our text calls for reproving, rebuking and exhorting! Someone has observed that preaching should be comforting to the afflicted and afflicting to the comfortable!
Preachers are not political revolutionaries out to change the world through social and political dissent. The gospel does bring about social and political change, but that is a secondary effect as people are individually transformed by God’s Word, not the primary purpose of preaching!
Preachers are not corporate CEO’s running roughshod over the congregation and using the bully pulpit to whip the board (elders) and shareholders (members) into subjection.
Preaching is important! “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe” (1 Corinthians 1:21). If preaching is important, then it is important to understand the purpose of preaching.
Preaching should accomplish four specific goals:
- First, God should be glorified. Preaching should acknowledge Him as the one true and eternal God, Father of all in whom we live, move and have our being (Acts 17:22-31).
- Second, Christ should be exalted. “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
- Third, the lost should be taught what they must do to be saved (Mark 16:15-16).
- Finally, the church should be strengthened (Ephesians 4:15-16).
Preaching that satisfies these goals will be preaching which meets with the approval of the Almighty. Anything less than this will be unacceptable to Him, and should be unacceptable to those who seek to follow His Son! Has acceptable preaching of God’s Word brought you to Jesus and His salvation?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Dust You Are
“…For dust you are, and to dust you shall return (Genesis 3:19).”
These words were said to Adam after he sinned before God. Earlier, God had “formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man had become a living being (Genesis 2:7).” Truly, dust you are because dust came to life by the breath of God.
“As a father pities his children, so the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:13-14).” David wrote these words, reminding us of his repentance and God’s forgiveness. David sinned with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11); Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). God is the one who said, “…dust you are…”, and He knows where we all come from, and where all we will eventually go.
The wise man reminds us, “All go to one place; all are from the dust, and all return to dust (Ecclesiastes 3:20).” “Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).” Job also concurred that man would return to dust (Job 34:15). Yes, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). However, through Christ, our sins can be taken away and we can be reconciled to God!
Before we return to dust, we must become less like Adam and more like Christ! Paul wrote, “The first man was of the earth, made of dust; the second Man is the Lord from heaven. As was the man of dust, so also are those who are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man (1 Corinthians 15:47-49).”
Our bodies may return to dust, but our souls can live forever in heaven with God if we obey Christ!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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