Historical Posts
Choose Your Friends Wisely
A person’s friends can reveal a lot about him. By associating with good people, a person becomes better; by associating with bad people, a person might get into trouble. It is always a struggle to see who has more influence: a person, or his friends.
The wise man wrote, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed (Proverbs 13:20).” He tells us that it is easier for others to influence us, rather than us to influence them. By associating ourselves with God’s people, we can be influenced for good and set better examples for the world. On the other hand, if we closely associate ourselves with those who do not live the kinds of lives that Christ would approve of, we can easily become corrupt.
The apostle Paul acknowledged, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits (1 Corinthians 15:33).’” Earlier, he told the Corinthians and Galatians, “…Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9)?” Just as others can influence us for evil, we should try to influence others for good!
Let us pick good friends, and be a good friend to others. Perhaps by doing something good, we can lead lost souls to Christ. Is He your friend? After all, we are friends of Christ if we do whatever He commands us (John 15:14).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Importance of the Assembly
“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:22-25).
I cannot overstate the importance of the Lord’s Day assembly. Most students of the Bible are quick to point out that Sunday worship was a vital part of New Testament Christianity. Today, however, the importance, purpose, and benefits of the Lord’s Day assembly are ignored or forgotten by many. The passage from Hebrews 10 offers several insights into the value of Sunday worship.
First, the assembly affords us an opportunity to draw nearer to God (Hebrews 10: 22). In worship God speaks to us through His word, and we speak to Him in prayer. Worship should help us feel the nearness of God. Sometimes someone can be heard to say, “I didn’t get anything out of worship today.” When that happens, we can be certain it was because they did not put anything into their worship.
Second, the assembly should motivate us to steadfast service in the kingdom (Hebrews 10:23). Our assemblies should be times when we are challenged and motivated to persevere. The devil is going to use every weapon in his arsenal to discourage us and destroy our faith. But God has promised victory to the faithful. Worship should be upbeat, positive, and instructive that we might be prepared to go out into the world and be a light for Jesus.
Third, the assembly enables us to offer love and encouragement to one another (Hebrews 10:24). Jesus described love as the “badge” of discipleship. The highlight of every Christian’s week should be the assembly with the saints. There should be no greater joy than that afforded Christians when they come together to worship the King.
Fourth, the assembly fulfills a divine command (Hebrews 10:25). It is not optional. One cannot love God and disregard His demands. God does not need our assembly, but we do!
Fifth, it is a time of remembering. Each Lord’s Day the early church came together to observe the Lord’s Supper and remember the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 20:7). We need this weekly reminder of our debt and His sacrifice.
Finally, the assembly helps us keep our focus on Christ, the King, and His coming. Each time we assemble we are reminded that we are spiritual creatures. We are reminded that we are mortal beings. We are reminded that judgment awaits. And, we are reminded that there is hope only in Christ.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Are You Afraid?
Fear can be good or bad. It is foolhardy to have no fear. It is debilitating to fear everything. I think I have met some folks at both ends of the spectrum. I’ve known a few people who, at least on the surface, seemed to have no fear. They drove recklessly, lived dangerously, and usually died suddenly. And then, there are those folks who are so frightened of everything that they almost never leave their homes. They create their own little fortress (prison) and never leave it. They are prisoners at home held by fear.
We seem to enter this world with at least a little fear. The fear of falling and the fear of loud noises are with us from the start. But, other things, like the fear of flying, or the fear of snakes and spiders are acquired. Often, our fears are not justified. Flying is far safer than driving. But, because plane crashes always makes the news, and fatalities almost always occur when a plane goes down, we associate flying with disaster. Yet, crashes are very rare. Automobile accidents, on the other hand, are quite common, but we get in our cars without a second thought. And, not many snakes and spiders are poisonous. But, because a few are, we fear them all.
Maybe our fears are misplaced. On the subject of fear, Jesus offered these words of warning: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The one thing that should frighten us most is the prospect of being lost eternally. And, it seems to be the one thing that many people never even consider.
Jesus, however, has removed the fear of death for His disciples. As Christians, we can say with the Psalmist, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” (Psalm 23:4). We can live in hope, not fear, for He has said: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5, 6).
Are you afraid? More importantly, are you afraid of the right things? The one thing that should frighten us most is the thought of facing eternity unprepared. That doesn’t have to happen. We can face death and judgment without fear because of Jesus Christ. Are you prepared?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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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
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I Will Pray
“Father, in the morning unto Thee I pray; let Thy loving kindness keep me through this day. At the busy noontide, pressed with work and care, then I’ll wait with Jesus till He hear my prayer. When the evening shadows chase away the light, Father, then I’ll pray Thee bless Thy child tonight. Thus in life’s glad morning, in its bright noon-day, in the shadowy evening, ever will I pray. I will pray, I will pray, eve will I pray; morning, noon, and evening unto Thee I’ll pray.” These words were penned by A. Cummings in 1875, and set to music by John Harrison Tenney. These words express a desire to pray unto God all the time: morning, noon, and evening.
Many years before these words were written, David expressed the same sentiment. He wrote, “Evening and morning and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. He has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many against me (Psalm 55:17-18).” David knew the importance of prayer, and its blessings.
Prayer should be an important part of our lives even today! Paul wrote, “Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).” We should pray every morning, noon, and evening! It is God’s will in Christ Jesus that we pray to Him!
How often do you pray? God is abundant in blessing; are you thankful? Let us, like David and Paul, tell ourselves: “I will pray; I will be thankful!”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Are We Still Under the Law of Moses?
The answer to the above question is crucial to our understanding of the church. Why? Because many people look to the Old Testament to justify their particular brand of religion. Such things as special “holy days,” the burning of incense and candles, the playing of mechanical instruments in worship, the wearing of priestly garments, and the observance of Sabbath day customs are all carryovers from the law. But, were they ever a part of New Testament Christianity? A study of the scriptures reveals that they were not.
The law was given to the Jews, not Gentiles (Romans 3:2). It was not intended for us (Gentiles). It had a specific purpose and a limited duration. “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgression, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made” (Galatians 3:19). The “seed” which was to come was Christ (Galatians 3:16). Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Its purpose accomplished, the law was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).
What was wrong with the law? It was, by design, weak (Romans 8:1-3). What the law could not do God accomplished through His Son. The blood of “bulls and goats” could not atone for man’s sin, but the blood of Christ did just that (Hebrews 10:1-12). We now live under His rule.
Lest someone misunderstand, we believe that the Old Testament is the word of God. We are even commanded to study it (Romans 15:4). But, it is not God’s law for the church! To learn what must be done to be saved, what constitutes acceptable worship, and how one must conduct himself as a Christian, it is necessary to read the New Testament.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Intolerance
I am not a political person, but I do pay attention to the basic arguments the politicians put forth. One of the things that I have noticed is that one party in particular is frequently urged to be more tolerant of opposing views.
I would imagine most of us like to think of ourselves as tolerant individuals, and in many ways we are. But, as a Christians, there is a limit to our tolerance. If I understand the word, and I think I do, tolerance is a call for “sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with our own.” That is all well and good in matters of little significance. However, in matters of life and death, peace and safety, honesty and integrity, there is little ground to give up, and no room for tolerance. Do we tolerate a little dishonesty, a little lying, a little killing, etc.? Where do we draw the line? When does a little become too much?
Jesus had a great love for sinners. He demonstrated love and compassion toward all men. To the adulterous woman He said, “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more” (John 8:11). His compassion for that woman did not mean, however, that He would tolerate her continued adultery. Just the opposite, true love demands change (repentance) where change is needed. It does not demand acceptance or tolerance without change!
We have no choice but to stand by our convictions, and to oppose what we see as clear violations of the laws of God. The church must be militant when it comes to her opposition of evil. As good soldiers of Jesus Christ, we must take our stand for truth and refuse to give an inch (Ephesians 6:10-20).
John Bright, in his book, The Authority of the Old Testament, offers a somber warning to those who profess to follow Jesus. He writes: “We are parade-ground troops, reluctant to dirty our uniforms; we are soldiers who refuse orders, sleep on duty, serve when convenient, and often enough traitors to the cause…We do not like to think of the church as militant at all, but rather caught up in a stream of fraternal progress. We are men of tolerance and goodwill who find it hard to believe that the God of the Bible (though infinitely more loving) is not necessarily as tolerant as we. Feeling no animus towards the enemies of God, we fraternize with them until we no longer recognize them as enemies, and are ready to make almost any compromise with them in the interest of peace.”
We are rapidly becoming a nation which tolerates anything and everything in the name of compassion. People who stand for everything, stand for nothing. This has happened, not because God rules in the hearts of men, but because we have surrendered to the devil. The last thing this nation needs is more tolerance for sin! May God help us to unapologetically oppose evil wherever we find it.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Our Citizenship is in Heaven
February 2014 is a busy month. The Winter Olympics are being held in Sochi, Russia. People from all over the world assemble together to compete for a gold medal in their respective sports. Also, the United States is celebrating Presidents’ Day. Those citizens, born in different states in the same country, have been elected to lead the country in the direction they think best. The world is very diverse. Yet, at the same time can be united!
We may be citizens of different states of America, or we may be citizens of different countries across the globe. However, we can all be citizens of Heaven! Paul said, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself (Philippians 3:20-21).”
A birth certificate is used to prove where one was born physically. To be citizens of Heaven, we need to prove we have been born spiritually. Jesus taught one must be born of water and the Spirit to enter the kingdom of Heaven (John 3:3-7). When one is born again of baptism, he has his name written in the Book of Life (Luke 10:20; Revelation 20:12; 21:27).
Your temporary, physical, citizenship does not matter eternally, but your eternal, spiritual, citizenship does.
Is your citizenship in Heaven?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Is God’s Grace Limited to the Churches of Christ?
In the March, 2014 issue of The Christian Chronicle (an international newspaper for the churches of Christ; published by Oklahoma Christian University) an article appears on page three, which is titled, “Muscle, a shovel and thousands of baptisms” (sic.). As you may have guessed already, it is about the phenomenal success of Muscle and a Shovel, a self-published book written by Michael Shank. Described as “a 46-year-old former electrician from Metropolis, Illinois,” bro. Shank credits his wife of 29 years, Jonetta, for convincing him to write the story of his conversion to New Testament Christianity. So far, the book has sold 67,000 copies and is in its fifth printing. Based on the feedback he has received, bro. Shank estimates that as many as 6,000 people have been baptized because they read his story and were convinced, just as he was.
As you might expect, the Christian Chronicle also reported that there has been some negative feedback from some readers. One Baptist preacher said that it’s “one of those rare books that will raise you blood pressure.” He went on to say, “You’ll either give it to everyone you know or put it into a shredder. There’s no middle ground.” Of course, that is just the kind of review one might expect from a denominational preacher. What was truly surprising—even shocking—to me was the criticism that came from an elder at the University Church of Christ, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Jay Guinn, who is also a featured writer for New Wineskins magazine, said that Muscle and a Shovel teaches “a false gospel.” The Christian Chronicle reports that Guin is concerned that “Shank has limited God’s grace to members of the churches of Christ.” He reportedly argues that, “for those with genuine faith in Jesus, grace covers ‘both our moral errors and our doctrinal errors.’” I know that Guin is not the first member of the Lord’s church to become a champion of denominational doctrine, but that does not make his statements any less discomforting.
The simple fact of the matter is that there are now many in the churches of Christ who believe that one does not have to be a member of the one and only church described in the New Testament, in order to be saved. These erring brethren echo the teachings of many denominations by arguing that baptism is not essential to our salvation, and that it does not matter how we worship God, as long as we are sincere in doing so, and that once a soul is saved, it will always be saved. That Guin takes offense to what is written in Muscle and a Shovel is not really surprising, but what I really don’t understand is why he remains a member of the church of Christ.
From the beginning of the movement to restore New Testament Christianity, members of the churches of Christ in the United States have been resolved to “speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.”
- We teach that the New Testament describes only one church and that all others are counterfeit, because that is what the New Testament teaches (Mat. 16:18).
- We teach that people cannot be saved without being properly baptized, because that is what the New Testament teaches (Mark 16:16).
- We teach that how one worships God is equally as important as the attitude with which one worships, because that is what the New Testament teaches (John 4:24).
- We teach that it is possible for Christians to fall from the grace of God, because that is what the New Testament teaches (Gal. 5:4).
If Mr. Guin believes that what the New Testament teaches constitutes a “false gospel,” then I would humbly suggest that he might find more people who agree with his way of thinking among one of the many denominations.
The New Testament teaches that the grace of God is what makes the way of salvation possible (Eph. 2:8). It does not “cover” any of our errors. In order to obtain forgiveness for our sins, we must admit that we are sinners (1 John 1:9), we must repent of our sins (2 Cor. 7:10), we must confess our faith in Christ (Rom. 10:9-10), and we must come into contact with the blood of Christ through baptism (Acts 2:38; Rev. 1:5). If we have already been baptized, then we may have access to the cleansing blood of Jesus, whenever we ask for it (1 John 1:7). But, make no mistake about it: the Lord will not forgive us for our sins, if we will not repent of them, and if we will not ask for forgiveness (Heb. 10:26). Muscle and a Shovel is an outstanding, first person account of one man’s conversion to New Testament Christianity. Whether you are a Christian, or not, you need to read it!
Content by Russell Kline
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There’s a Book Out There…
If you want to know about history, there’s a book out there that will give you information. If you want information on where to travel, there’s a book out there that will tell you. If you just want to relax and unwind before falling asleep at bedtime, there’s a book out there just for you.
If you want to know about the past, present, and future of mankind, “there’s a book out there…” These words were often uttered by Ken Ham, defender of creation to Bill Nye, defender of evolution in the debate on Tuesday, February 4, 2014. His point should be well noted. Only the Word of God can tell us everything we need to know!
- Man’s creation
- The beginning of sin
- God’s plan of eternal salvation
- Judgment
- Eternal life or eternal destruction
These subjects are all included within the pages. It should be a book we all study.
Sadly, many people do not know God’s words. We must know and do them in order to have eternal life. James says, “to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin (James 4:17).” Also, faith without works is dead (James 2:17); faith is needed in order to come to God (Hebrews 11:6). Where does faith come from? Paul tells us: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17).”
If we want to know what to do to be saved, there is a book out there! If we want to know how to live a Christian life, there is a book out there! If we want to know who God is and how much He loves us, there’s a book out there! We need to know the truth of all things, and there is a book out there for that (John 17:17)! That one book is the Word of God, the Bible.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Life Isn’t Fair
He had a large and adoring family, was one of the wealthiest men in his community, and was as honest as the day is long. A decent and God fearing man, he seemed to have it made. Then disaster struck. All ten of his children died in a single accident. His wealth stolen and his health destroyed, his wife demanded, “Curse God and die.” He would not! What had happened? Why had he been singled out? His friends laid the blame at his feet. “You’re being punished for your sins,” they argued. “Whoever perished being innocent?” But it wasn’t so! “He was a perfect and upright man who feared God and turned away from evil.” Nothing he had done could account for his troubles.
The simple fact is that bad things happen to good people. Life isn’t fair. Job knew this. 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 surely as the sparks fly upward (Job 5:7).
The marvelous thing about Job is that he proved that a man can maintain his faith in the midst of trouble. Job is not alone. Bad things still happen to good people. Life still isn’t fair. We’ve all seen it before. We know of good, decent, honest folks, whose loyalty to Christ is unquestioned, yet troubles come. Sometimes good people have far more than their share of troubles, while others with little or no regard for God and things spiritual seem to go through life unscathed. There is no explanation for it. It just happens.
However, I want to point out that God will one day even the score. And, He has something much better prepared for us. Don’t complain when troubles come. Look beyond them with eager anticipation to what lies ahead, and with Job exclaim, “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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The Crown of Life
When one hears the “crown of life,” immediately he may begin to think of the words in Revelation. The church at Smyrna was told, “…Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).” The idea is clear: work hard all the days of your life in the Lord’s kingdom, and you will receive an eternal reward.
This “crown of life” is not only found in Revelation! James also says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him (James 1:12).” Here, James stresses the idea of enduring temptation. All of us are tempted, even as Jesus Himself was (Matthew 4:1-11). Because He overcame temptation, so can we. As Jesus knew what was written, so should we study God’s Word to be approved of Him (2 Timothy 2:15). We show we love Him by keeping His commandments (John 14:15). Thus, knowing God’s Word and doing it will help us receive the crown of life!
This “crown of life” will last an eternity. Paul said, “And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24).”
If we want to receive this crown, we must work at it. Temperance is not only a quality of an athlete, but it is a fruit of the Spirit for a Christian (Galatians 5:22-23). Once that reward is obtained, it will last forever!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Jumping to Conclusions
As the story goes, a lady invited several friends to a mushroom and steak dinner. When the maid opened the can of mushrooms, she discovered a slight scum on the surface. Since the guests were expected shortly and there was no time to run to the market for another can, the mistress of the house suggested, “Give the dog a few, and if he eats them, they are probably all right.” The dog liked them and begged for more, so the dinner was completed and served.
After the main course, the maid came in to serve the desert, but her face was ashen white. She whispered in her employer’s ear, “Ma’am, the dog is dead.” Immediately the guests were informed of what had happened, and the dinner party dismissed to the local hospital.
Sometime later, as the guests were reclining after the use of the stomach pump, the mistress called home. “Where’s the dog now?” she demanded of her maid. “Out on the front steps, ma’am,” came the reply, “right where he fell after the car hit him!”
It doesn’t pay to jump to conclusions.
Things are not always what they appear to be on the surface. First impressions may be lasting, but they are not necessarily accurate. Conclusions should be drawn after careful evaluation, and not made in haste. This is especially true with regard to people.
It is not wise to always think the worst of people. We should not be quick to form opinions. Jesus urged His disciples, “Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment” (John 7:24). Get the facts before drawing conclusions.
There is a tendency, especially in the media, to paint religious folks in an unfavorable light. We are often portrayed as bigoted, mean spirited, and uncaring. The portrayal is inaccurate, but nonetheless, widely accepted.
Before you draw conclusions about the churches of Christ, visit our services, ask questions, and get to know us. I think you will be pleasingly surprised.
Please accept this as our personal invitation to worship with us this Sunday.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Sorrow Turned to Joy
It was a cold slab of granite.
The name and date carved into the hard surface were beginning to fade. The years had taken their toll on the monument, and on the elderly woman who stood before it. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she remembered. Years earlier she had stood on the same spot as her only child had been laid to rest. Time had not lessened the loss. He was gone. She could not bring him back. She stood there thinking of what might have been.
God also lost a Son.
He was placed in the heart of the earth, buried in a borrowed tomb. But, the grave could not hold Him. Her spirits lifted. The grave would not hold her son either. They would meet again. God had given them fifteen joyous years before the accident. Now, by the grace of God, she looked beyond this life and her sorrow turned to joy as she contemplated what was yet to be.
Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (John 14:1-3).
Do you have the hope of heaven?
Can you see beyond this vale of tears to the sunshine of God’s eternal city where all tears will be wiped away? Through Him we can live forever!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Obedience Through Suffering
Sometimes it is very hard to do something that somebody else wants you to do.
Parents want their children to make their beds, clean their rooms, take out the trash, or set the table. Teachers want their students to do their homework, study for tests, do book reports, or work long hours to finish a project. Bosses want their employees to be on time every day, complete all tasks, and treat everyone in the office kindly. These things may be very hard to do. Children do not want to obey their parents; students do not want to do study; employees like to goof off at work.
Even God’s own Son learned obedience through suffering.
“Though He were a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).” Paul even told the Philippians He “…became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).” Imagine the suffering that Christ went through! Not only as He grew, but also before and during his crucifixion. Did Jesus want to die? No! He prayed, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but You will (Matthew 26:39).”
What if we all had an attitude like Christ?
Regardless of what we want to do, we need to do God’s will! This may cause us to suffer, but in the end it will have all been worth it. By learning to obey others, we can learn to obey God. All we have to do is read His Word and do what it says (James 1:22).
Sometimes it may be hard, but God will reward us for our efforts.
Content by Richard Dillon
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No Cause for Stumbling
Do you know of anyone that is clumsy?
Perhaps at one time or another we have bumped into something. Even though the coffee table has been there as long as we can remember, we still bump into it occasionally.
Do we stumble spiritually?
Peter told Christians, “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:10-11).”
Physically, we are careful where we step.
We keep a close eye out or something that may impede our path, and carefully remove any obstruction.
Spiritually, we must do the same thing.
If we are diligent concerning our salvation, we will study God’s word and remove anything and everything that hinders our path to heaven.
By taking the necessary precautions and actions, we can never stumble! Instead, we have that abundant entrance into the kingdom of Christ.
Content by Richard Dillon
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Do You Need a Reminder?
Have you ever tied a ribbon around your finger, only to forget what that was supposed to remind you of? Note pads, voice recordings, sticky notes, highlighters, and other products are for our use to remember something very important. It is often said, “If I don’t write it down I’ll forget it!”
Peter gives Christians a reminder. He writes, “Moreover I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease (2 Peter 1:15).” We truly need to remember the Lord’s inspired words even today. Peter has long since been deceased, but his inspired words remain in the Word of God.
We need constant reminders from God’s Word. We are faced with challenges every single day. Constant study of God’s Word will help us remember (2 Timothy 2:15; Acts 17:11). After all, Peter earlier said, “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth. Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you (2 Peter 1:12-13)…”
Use your highlighter in your Bible, make notes, and put sticky notes on the mirror to look at each day if needed. Put a ribbon on your finger so you will remember to turn the pages of God’s Word!
Content by Richard Dillon
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An Accurate Picture of Jesus
According to the thinking of some religious people, Jesus found fault with very little in society. He only found fault with the fault finder. He only criticized the critical. He had intolerance only for the intolerant. As a result, we are lead to believe that those who follow Him must be open and accepting to all kinds of sin and perversion. After all, Jesus said, “Thou shalt not judge!”
Such a view of Jesus could not be further from the truth. Yes, He came as the champion of the downtrodden. He associated with sinners. And, He was criticized for it. But it should not be inferred from His association with them, that He approved of them.
On one occasion Jesus dined with a large number of tax collectors and sinners in Matthew’s house. When the scribes and Pharisees saw that He ate with such a crowd, they were very critical. It was then that Jesus said: “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mark 2:17). From that statement, and others like it, the conclusion is drawn that the church is a place for sinners to gather in a non-judgmental setting. Jesus, it is argued, was accepting, not condemning.
How is it possible to read passages like the one just noted and arrive at such a conclusion? Why did Jesus associate with such people? Because He loved them (John 3:16, 17). Because He loved them, what did He do? He called them to repentance! He did not accept sinners unconditionally. He challenged them to change. That is what repentance is all about.
The church must carry on the work of Jesus in this world. We must reach out to sinners like He did. Our message, like His, must be a call to repentance not acceptance.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Who Pushed Me?
The story is told of an old man traveling on an ocean liner. A storm blew up and a young lady who had been leaning against the rail lost her balance and fell overboard. Almost immediately the old man appeared next to her in the water, keeping her afloat until both were safely pulled back into the ship. That evening, at a special party honoring the elderly gentleman for his bravery, he was called on to give a speech. The old man rose slowly, and looking intently into the faces of his fellow passengers, he said “There’s just one thing I want to know! Who pushed me?”
I think all of us need a little push from time to time. We know what we ought to do, we just need a little nudge to do it. That is one of the reasons why the early church met every Lord’s Day to worship together. The Lord knew our need for encouragement, and designed the collective assembly for that purpose. In the letter to the Hebrews the inspired writer wrote: “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as we see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).
We need the association and fellowship that the Christian assembly provides. Through it we are motivated to service and godly conduct. Worship is an uplifting experience if it is in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). If you are forsaking it, then you are missing out on much needed encouragement and direction. I want to encourage you to be faithful in your worship. Make a concerted effort to be present when the saints assemble. Don’t intentionally neglect the assembly, but plan to be present, and ask a friend to come with you.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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It’s Not Hopeless!
Every once in a while I encounter someone whose life is filled with guilt.
“God can’t love me anymore,” they argue. “I’ve been too wicked.” My heart goes out to these folks. They desperately want to rid themselves of their burden, but they see no hope. Unable to forgive themselves, they reason that God cannot forgive them either. But, there are no hopeless cases.
The apostle Paul argued that he was the worst of sinners, yet he obtained mercy (1 Timothy 1:15).
If God could forgive him, God could forgive anyone. What could be worse than what Paul had done before his conversion? He had consented to the execution of Stephen (Acts 7:58) and had dedicated himself to the task of eradicating Christianity from the earth. He could not imagine a crime against God or man more serious, yet, he wrote: “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). If Paul could find forgiveness, then so can we.
There is hope.
Sin and guilt can be washed away, but there are specific steps which must be taken.
- We must understand our need for salvation. We are all sinners in need of a Savior (Romans 3:23).
- We must recognize Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins and man’s only Savior (Acts 4:12).
- We must act on our faith and repent of our sins (Luke 13:3).
- Repentance will be followed by a public confession of Jesus (Matthew 10:32, 33).
- Our confession will be followed by baptism for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38).
At that point, rising up from the water of baptism, we become “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17). The old life and all of its sin is forgotten. We make a fresh start. Forgiven by God, we must forgive ourselves.
Guilt is one burden none of us have to bear.
There are no hopeless cases. God loves us, no matter what. He longs for our salvation.
But, will we come to Him? No one can answer that question for us. We must answer it ourselves.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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