Historical Posts
A Matter of Life and Death
What could be more important than a matter of life and death? How about eternal life and eternal death?
Harry Houdini (March 24, 1874-October 31, 1926) was considered to be one of the world’s greatest magicians. He performed many escape acts, and even intended to perform one final escape act, a matter of life and death, namely his own. His widow, Bess, kept a candle burning in the window for 10 years after his death. She claimed that she hoped to communicate with him through a séance, but never could. Finally, on the tenth anniversary of his death, his wife blew out the candle realizing he could not return from the grave.
The Bible states: “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave (Psalm 89:48)?” Houdini could not deliver his life from the power of the grave, and neither can we. The Bible further states, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment (Hebrews 9:27)…” We cannot return to this earth after death; rather, we will face judgment.
Heaven awaits those who have obeyed the gospel and have lived the faithful Christian life; Hell awaits those who have not. We have one lifetime to make the right choices, and then we will be judged according to our works (Revelation 20:12-15). What will we choose? What have you chosen so far? Do you need to make an informed change? Remember, this choice is, spiritually, a matter of life and death.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Men and Women in the Church
The church is the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18), and includes both men and women (Acts 5:14). Paul explained to the Corinthians that there is one body, yet that body is made up of different members with different functions (1 Corinthians 12). Regardless of gender, there is something each person can do in the body of Christ.
Sadly, there has been confusion as to what men and women can and cannot do. We must remember that the Scriptures, not our feelings, give us the authority for what we can or cannot do (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Paul told Timothy: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence (1 Timothy 2:8-12).” He told the Corinthians, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says. And if they want to learn something, let them ask their own husbands at home; for it is shameful for women to speak in church (1 Corinthians 14:34-35).”
Paul told Titus: “…The older men be sober, reverent, temperate, sound in faith, in love, in patience; the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things – that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works (Titus 2:2-8)…”
Scripture tells us that men led in the worship, women taught women and children, and that everyone, regardless of age, was to set a good Christian example. Women were not permitted to lead in worship because it was the woman who was deceived and fell into transgression (1 Timothy 2:13-15; Genesis 3).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Christ’s Sufferings and Our Consolation
We will hve both affliction and consolation during our walk with God.
Christ suffered for us. He endured persecution, and ultimately lay down His life on the cross for our sins. Because He was willing to do so, we can find consolation in Him. Knowing that the perfect sacrifice was made that can remove our sins. Our consolation is that we have the right to be reconciled to God.
Paul told the Corinthians, “For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation (2 Corinthians 1:5-7).”
As Christians, we partake in the sufferings of Christ! Paul told Timothy that all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). When we endure suffering, Christ shares in that with us. Thus Christ is consoled when we are able to endure it. He rejoices when one remains faithful to Him, and will reward him accordingly.
We will be both afflicted and comforted during our walk with God. Paul says that this is for our consolation and salvation! Knowing what Christ went through for us, and what we must go through for Him, should encourage us to continue to live faithfully. If we remain faithful until death, we will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
Content by Richard Dillon
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A Christ Centered Religion
Christ Centered Religion – No creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His!
We can never overemphasize the importance of being obedient students of the Bible. In God’s great scheme for the salvation of man, He provided for the preservation of His divine will through the written word. The Bible is no ordinary book. It is the word of the Almighty. It should be studied, learned, obeyed, and lived.
He who rejects the Bible and the Christ centered religion that results makes a terrible mistake. Paul wrote: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to the wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5).
The fact is that our eternal well-being depends upon our devotion to the sacred text. It is through the Scriptures that we learn of the Savior. We cannot know God’s will apart from His word. Therefore, we must be careful students of the Bible. All that we believe, teach, and practice must originate in the Bible, which will cause us to have a Christ centered religion. Peter wrote, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).
The churches of Christ make a concerted effort to be governed by the Bible, and the Bible alone. We have no creed but Christ, no head but Him, and no law but His! If you are interested in a Christ-centered religion, then give us a try. With Paul we say, “We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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What Went Wrong?
What went wrong with our nation?
The school tragedies in so many states have shocked and dismayed us. What would possess kids to do such terrible things? What went wrong? I don’t claim to have all the answers, but some things are obvious.
First, children are being fed a steady diet of violence on television and at the movies. Much of what they view is pure filth. The language is atrocious. Nudity and illicit sexual activity are common place. Violence has become more and more graphic. But, do I blame Hollywood for exposing our kids to this kind of garbage? No! What went wrong? I think the fault lies with parents who fail to adequately monitor their children’s activities, and especially what they watch on television.
Second, faith in God has been undermined by the teaching of godless evolution as fact. When kids are raised to believe that they evolved from lower life forms, it’s not surprising to see them act like animals.
Third, life in this country is cheap. How can kids who have been fed a steady diet of the pro-choice tripe, grow up with a profound respect for the sanctity of life? They do not!
Fourth, there is no sense of accountability. Rather than hold people accountable for their actions, we make excuses. What went wrong? People (including kids) are not responsible for bad choices. Instead, we blame the system. They are merely products of their environments. Government has let them down. The educational system has failed them. Poverty is to blame. They have a genetic flaw – it’s all because of faulty DNA. Until people are once again held accountable for their actions, there will be no incentive to make good choices.
Fifth, parents have neglected their parental duties. I suspect all the others are really by-products of parental failure. What went wrong? Where are the parents? For too many years, kids have been raising themselves. Parents are often so selfish and self-involved that they never think of the welfare of their own offspring. Marriages are crumbling. Homes are being destroyed. And, children are the ones who suffer most.
What this nation needs is not stricter gun laws, but more loving and caring parents (especially fathers) who are willing to take an active role in raising their children. Listen to the apostle Paul: “…fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4). God’s plan from the beginning involved the union of one man and one woman in the loving bonds of holy wedlock for life. Children were to be reared in the home formed by this union. When God’s plan is circumvented, disaster is inevitable! Only by returning to God’s plan for the family can we truly address what went wrong. Are you following His plan in your life?
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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Right to the Tree of Life
Do you want the right to the Tree of Life?
The tree of life was in the midst of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). Adam and Eve had the right to eat of it, but lost that right when they sinned (Genesis 2:16-17; 3:17-24). The tree is pure, able to provide eternal life to those worthy to partake of it. However, because of sin, one loses the right to partake of the tree (1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Because of its pure nature, the tree of life is used symbolically in the book of Proverbs. Wisdom is located there (Proverbs 3:18); fruit of righteousness is a tree of life (Proverbs 11:30); fulfilled desire is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12); a wholesome [healing] tongue is a tree of life (Proverbs 15:4). The author says that if we possess these pure characteristics, we may be on our way to obtaining the tree of life.
The book of Revelation tells us how we can have a right to the tree. The Lord says, “…To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God (Revelation 2:7).” Later John tells us what he sees in the vision: the tree of life is on either side of the river of water of life, bearing twelve fruits; the leaves are for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:4). Then John leaves us one reminder: “Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates of the city (Revelation 22:14).”
Do you want the right to the Tree of Life? Have your sins washed away, keep the commandments of God, and overcome the trials and tribulations of this world through Christ!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Contrast in Character
Will we imitate the character of Diotrephes or Demetrius? The choice is ours.
“I wrote something to the church; but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, does not accept what we say. For this reason, if I come, I will call attention to his deeds which he does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words; and not satisfied with this, neither does he himself receive the brethren, and he forbids those who desire to do so, and puts them out of the church” (3 John 9-10 NASB).
Do you know Diotrephes? Have you seen his character? He is everywhere. He is at school, at work, even in the church. He is a child in adult disguise. He demands his way, or no way! He has an inflated view of himself. Nothing, and no one, is more important. He is center stage, or he walks off the stage.
Cross him and he goes on the attack. He will lie and spread idle gossip. Not content with his personal barrage of lies and insults, he will solicit others to join with him. If possible, he will drive you away, kick you out, or get you fired.
Diotrephes is not to be feared or tolerated, he is to be rebuked. Like any other bully, stand up to him and he will turn tail and run.
“Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone, and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true” (3 John 12 NIV).
The character of Demetrius can be found most everywhere, too! He is a selfless person always willing to help. Need a shoulder to cry on? He is there. Feeling blue? He knows just what to say. He has character. He has convictions which he will not compromise. He is admired and respected. He is everything we would like to be, but aren’t.
We should remind ourselves that we are what we choose to be. John admonished: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. The one who does good is of God; the one who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11 NASB).
What will it be? Will we imitate the character of Diotrephes or Demetrius? The choice is ours. Choose the good character and start by modeling you life after Christ.
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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The True Church
It is possible and desireable to have one true church. Jesus died to purchase it.
Any student of the Bible knows that the New Testament speaks of only one church, the true church. In Matthew 16:18, following Peter’s confession of the divinity of Christ, Jesus promised: “I will build my church.” The emphasis is on the fact that Jesus promised to build his church, not churches. The apostle Paul wrote: “There is one body” (Ephesians 4:4). The body and the church are one and the same (Colossians 1:18). If there is one body, there can only be one church. There is no mention of present day denominationalism in the New Testament. Denominationalism is non-biblical and anti-scriptural. Jesus’ prayer for his disciples was that they would all be one (John 17:21).
Conditions in the religious world today portray anything but a united church. Those who profess to follow Christ are divided into hundreds of factions. For one seeking to find the church of the Bible, it is an exceedingly difficult task. Each denomination believes that it is the true church, but that all other churches are acceptable, too! How can that be? It is generally argued that the various denominations comprise the visible church, and that the invisible church consists of the true believers from all denominations. Is that the case? The Bible says nothing about the visible and the invisible church!
We believe that it is possible to have one true church. We believe that it is desirable to have one true church. We believe that Jesus died to purchase one true church. It is not our purpose to condemn denominationalism, but it is our desire to preach the truth! We do not seek to sit in judgment of others, but we do want to teach what the Bible says about Christianity. Paul pleaded with the church at Corinth that they all speak the same things, and that there be no divisions among them, but that they be perfectly joined together in the same mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). Why should it be any different today?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Foolish Questions
Don’t waste your time with foolish questions.
A young man, seeking to entrap the Scottish preacher, John McNeil, sent the following note to the preacher with the request that it be answered publicly: “Dear Mr. McNeil, if you seek to enlighten young men, would you kindly tell me who Cain’s wife was and where he got her?” McNeil read the note and then responded, “I love young men – inquirers for truth especially – and should like to give this young man a word of advice: Don’t lose your soul inquiring about other men’s wives.” Talk about foolish questions.
Critics of the Bible are always looking for ways to entrap believers with foolish questions. “If your God is omnipotent (all powerful),” they ask, “can he make a square circle? If your God is so great and can do anything, can he make a rock so big he cannot lift it?” Obviously, both are foolish questions that seek the impossible! What is the Christian’s response?
Paul admonished Timothy: “But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; and that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who was taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
We can have great confidence in the Bible and the God it reveals. There is no reason for us to doubt the divine record or anything it says about our God or His Son! The Bible is the most important book ever written. It was not the product of human minds, but the divine mind (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Doubters may wish to throw suspicion upon the sacred text with foolish questions, but it will stand long after every critic has been silenced.
The Bible may not answer every question we ask, but we may be confident that the answers found therein are right. With the Psalmist, we should cry out, “Open thou mine eyes that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law” (Psalm 119:18).
Would you like to know more? Asking about the salvation of your soul is not on the list of foolish questions.
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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Cause to Weep
Until we all embrace God’s laws and live by them, there will be cause to weep!
The Bible speaks of tears being shed on many occasions. David had cause to weep when he learned of the death of Absalom (2 Samuel 18:33). The captives sat by the rivers of Babylon and wept as they remembered Zion (Psalm 137:1). Jesus was moved to weep as He made his way to the tomb of his dear friend Lazarus (John 11:35). He wept again as He looked upon Jerusalem and foresaw her impending destruction (Luke 19:41).
As I read each of the accounts mentioned in the previous paragraph, as well as others like them, I am reminded of something from the Psalmist’s pen. He wrote: “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law” (Psalm 119:136). As I get older I understand more and more what the Psalmist meant, what caused him to weep.
Tears should come to our eyes and we should weep as we gaze upon the moral decline which has swept through our land. Long held standards of decency and morality have crumbled before us. A few decades ago the prospect of abortion on demand, the acceptance of homosexuality, the staggering rates of illegitimacy, and the brutal violence of today were unthinkable.
There is cause to weep when we see man’s inhumanity to man and the staggering toll in human lives. In Africa and the Middle East, thousands have died and continue to die, innocent victims of man’s brutality. Right here in our own country violence claims lives daily. Some see what is happening and blame God, but the fault is not His, it is ours!
The restraints of space will not permit a detailed listing of all the problems which fill our land and bring tears to our eyes. Now I simply must ask, “What is the real cause for our tears?” The Psalmist gives us the answer. It is because men do not keep God’s law (Psalm 119:136)! What a different world it would be if only men would acknowledge God and honor His commands.
We may not be able to change the world, but we can change ourselves. We must adopt God’s laws as our own, and live by them every day. Then, and only then, can we begin to make a difference in our community and the world. Until we all embrace God’s laws and live by them, there will be cause to weep!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Forgiving the Forsaking
Perhaps one of the toughest acts of Christianity is that of forgiving. When one has wronged us, we need to be willing to forgive them. Peter asked Jesus how often one should be willing to forgive, even up to seven times. Jesus answered him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22).” It may seem harder to forgive when we’ve already forgiven and an offense happens again. It may seem like others are forsaking us, and we do not know if we can be forgiving to them again.
Paul was willing to forgive others. Paul explained to Timothy that Alexander the coppersmith did him much harm, and resisted to the words of God. He said, “at my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them (2 Timothy 4:14-16).” He was willing to forgive those who forsook him as he stood for the truth!
Similarly, Stephen was stoned for preaching the gospel. Paul (formerly known as Saul of Tarsus) was holding the coats of those that stoned him. As Stephen was dying, he cried: “Lord, do not charge them with this sin (Acts 7:60).” Perhaps Paul learned from Stephen the power of forgiving in difficult times.
Where did Stephen learn this? From Jesus Christ! As Christ was dying on the cross, He cried: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do (Luke 23:34).” He was willing to be forgiving to the very ones who forsook Him!
We, too, should be willing to be forgiving of others when they forsake us. Others may forsake us, but God never will (Hebrews 13:5). After all, we must forgive others to be forgiven by God Himself (Matthew 6:14-15).
Content by Richard Dillon
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Many Believed
Many believed when they examine the evidence with a fair and open mind.
As Peter and John made their way to the temple one afternoon, they encountered a lame beggar. The apostles had no money that day, but they had something much better. Peter said to him, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk” (Acts 3:6). Instantly the man was healed. Soon a large crowd had gathered. To them the gospel was proclaimed and many believed.
When the Jewish authorities discovered what had taken place, Peter and John were arrested. But, as a result of what had happened, and what the apostles had taught, “many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand” (Acts 4:4). What led to their faith? Why was it many believed?
First, it was undeniable that a miracle had taken place. The hand of God was clearly at work that day. Even the enemies of Christ acknowledged “that indeed a notable miracle” had been done (Acts 4:16). It was clear that forces beyond the powers of mere mortals were at work that day. Obviously, Peter and John deserved a hearing.
Second, Peter and John conducted themselves, both at the temple, and in jail in an exemplary fashion. Their accusers marveled at their knowledge and boldness, and acknowledged that they had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). They not only proclaimed their faith in Jesus, they lived it!
Thirdly, they did not hesitate to plainly and forcefully proclaim the truth. To those who gathered that day to hear them preach, Peter leveled the following charge: “ye delivered up, and denied…the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead” (Acts 3:13-15). And, it was true! They could not deny it.
It was an irresistible combination, and many believed. The appeal is just as valid today. Examine the evidence with a fair and open mind, and I am convinced you will be a believer, too!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Church Growth
People may not have expected it, but God provided church growth when they were scattered.
“…they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4).
One cannot help but admire the dedication of early Christians. Everywhere they went they preached, and where they preached they were persecuted. Yet, there was church growth as they continued to uphold Christ before the world.
Our circumstances are not nearly so difficult, yet our efforts are often meager in comparison. Perhaps it is because we lack the dedication, determination, and diligence which so often characterized first century Christians.
Their dedication is seen throughout Luke’s history of the church in Acts, from the first account of persecution in chapter 4 to the close of the book. Their faith was unshakable. They would gladly forfeit their freedom (Acts 4:1-3), their wealth (Acts 4:36-37), and even their lives (Acts 7:59) for Jesus.
Their determination was such that no matter what, they preached Christ crucified. When told not to preach anymore in his name, Peter and John responded, “We cannot help but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Those who fled from Jerusalem because of persecution “went everywhere preaching the word.” The story of Jesus could not be censored. Early Christians were determined to tell others of Him and church growth resulted as the lost came to Christ.
And, they were diligent. Theirs was not a once a week religion. “Daily in the temple and in every house they ceased not to preach Jesus” (Acts 5:42), and the church “increased in number daily” (Acts 16:5). Church growth was fast. The church grew and multiplied because early Christians worked diligently.
Yes, it takes dedication, determination and diligence to do the Lord’s work. But, God promises success to those who are willing to give it everything they have. Are you working for Him? Are you a child of His?
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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Rivers of Waters Run Down Mine Eyes
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
Psalm 119:136 KJV – “Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.”
Psalm 119 is about the Bible: the origin, nature and authority of it, and the attitude toward it – of believers, of unbelievers and of God Himself. When the penman looked at the people of the world, he was “grieved, because they kept not thy word” (Psalm 119:158 KJV).
When you and I consider the lost condition of the multitudes among whom we live, our reaction can take one of three courses. We can:
[1] ignore the situation as something we cannot change
[2] judge them guilty of ignoring their Maker and His love
[3] fear for their souls, and try to teach them eternal truth
Probably most of us take the first course. Sadly, some take the second. Our God-inspired example is to feel the “rivers of waters” and the third course.
The apostle Paul had “great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh” (Romans 9:1-3 KJV). When he thought of those who had set themselves as enemies of Christ and opponents of the gospel, he wept (Philippians 3:18).
What makes you weep and moves you to rivers of waters? Personal injury and loss? The suffering of a loved one? These things should bring upon us throes of compassion, but the Christian’s love should be broader than to include only those of his own company.
“For God so loved that He gave…” (John 3:16 KJV) “For the love of Christ constraineth us…” (2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV) How will the lost be saved if the saved don’t care?
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Moved with Compassion
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
God motivated saints are moved with compassion to care for the needy and help when they can. Every contact with the lost is an opportunity for evangelism.
Mark 6:34 KJV – “And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.”
A world in need comes to the church for help in paying bills and buying groceries. Not always, but often, people need help from others because they are experiencing the result of their previous poor decisions. Usually our poor decisions result from not having an established plan for life that guides us to success.
Regardless of the cause of the need, God-motivated saints are moved with compassion to care for the needy and help when they can. Jesus, when He came out to the people and saw their lack of direction in life, “was moved with compassion toward them … and he began to teach them many things.”
Let us not forget the true purpose of the church. While the stomach is growling, the ears may not hear anything else, but in every contact with the lost there is an opportunity for evangelism. We may not find it, but as servants of the Master we should certainly be looking for it.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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No Ordinary Man
Examine the evidence. You will be forced to admit Jesus was no ordinary man. He was the Son of God!
One night a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, called on Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2). There was no mistaking it, Jesus was no ordinary man.
The blind man, whose sight Jesus had restored, said to those who denied that Jesus had come from God: “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly man who does his will. Nobody has ever heard of opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing” (John 9:30-33).
John recorded a limited number of Jesus’ miracles (seven in all), but they were sufficient to prove him to be the Son of God, no ordinary man. John’s conclusion: “Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30-31). Temple guards, dispatched to arrest him, returned empty-handed. Their only defense: “No one ever spoke the way this man does” (John 7:46). It was a compelling combination. What he did and said offered ample proof that he was the Son of God. Jesus was no ordinary man.
Nearly twenty centuries have passed since the events of the Gospels, but nothing has happened which would cause us to doubt the deity of Christ. There had never been another like him, nor would there ever be another like him again. He was unique, and the evidence shows him to have been divine.
Yes, there were many who questioned his identity. There were many doubters. There were many who died in unbelief. But, those who examined the evidence carefully with an honest heart and an open mind, could not help but say, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54).
Before you dismiss him, examine the evidence. I am convinced you, too, will be forced to admit that he was no ordinary man. He was the Son of God!
Would you like to know more?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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The People Perish
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
Proverbs 29:18 KJV – “Where there is no vision the people perish.“
This verse is often referenced by those who would encourage us to think ahead, or to exercise wisdom in making our plans for the future, but that is not the message in the verse. The next portion of the same verse makes that clear when it says, “but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.”
The “vision” in the verse is not a clear understanding from experience, skill or wisdom. It is a revelation from the Lord. Ezekiel said, “then shall they seek a vision of the prophet; but the law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients.” (Ezekiel 7:26)
When people refuse to hear the word of God and heed it’s admonitions, they are doomed to perish. It was proven true of the Ammonites, the Hittites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians, the Sodomites and many others. They are gone because they did not heed the word of God.
How many of today’s nations will suffer the same fate? And how soon? Let us preach the gospel more urgently than ever before, lest our people perish.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Christian Conduct
Are our lives characterized by Christian conduct?
“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” (Philippians 1:27).
Make no mistake about it, God makes specific demands of His people. Christians must not adopt the ways of the world. We are commanded to conform to a higher standard. Our conversation (conduct) must be governed by the word of God. It must be Christian conduct. We must look to the Scriptures to determine the direction our lives take. Anything less can spell disaster.
Man is incapable of charting the correct course without proper guidance. Solomon wrote: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the ends thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). Jeremiah, the prophet, echoed those sentiments when he wrote: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). God, knowing our limitations, sent Jesus into this world to show us the way to Him. In fact, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). He lived a perfect life. He showed us how to live. He left an example for us to follow (1 Peter 2:21-22).
It is impossible to follow Christ without paying careful attention to our conduct. We cannot be faithful children of God while living like the devil! We must have Christian conduct. No, Christians are not perfect, but they are also not slaves to sin. “Know ye not, that to whom yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Romans 6:16-18).
Who do we serve? How do we live? Are our lives characterized by Christian conduct? If not, then we are not Christians!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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No Rule Changes
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
Expect No Rule Changes from God.
“And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter. Get thee up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up thine eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and behold it with thine eyes: for thou shalt not go over this Jordan.” – Deuteronomy 3:23-27
We know what is expected of us, as Moses had known when he struck the rock, and now in this life is the time to do it. Asking God to change the rules later did not work for Moses, and it will not work for us. No rule changes should be expected.
It is not mercy that changes the rules with respect to persons, but anarchy; God will respect His word, and so, therefore, must we.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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It Can Not be Part True and Part Myth
Thanks to Al Parr, working with the Saline Church of Christ, for the content of this post.
“For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark.” – Matthew 24:38
Jesus said that Noah lived and the flood happened as it is recorded in Genesis. If the flood story is false, as many affirm, then Jesus is a liar.
You either take the whole Bible, or you reject the whole Bible; it can’t be part true and part myth, because it is all one complete revelation.
It is often said that “the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed, and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.” Just so, every page of the Bible is inextricably linked to every other page, the entire account depending upon every word.
The Old Testament was written as God moved men to write (2 Peter 1:21), and the New Testament was preached and written in the words of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-13). Not part true and part myth – all of it true.
Al Parr works Confirming the Churches and preaches at the Saline Church of Christ
7300 East Michigan Avenue
Saline, MI 48176
734-429-4319
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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