Historical Posts
Indisputable Facts – I
Although baptism is said to involve the sprinkling, pouring or immersion of one in water, it is admitted that in the New Testament baptism involved a burial or immersion of the convert in water. Baptism is called a burial (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). John baptized at Aenon near Salim because much water was available there (John 3:23). When Jesus was baptized the record says He came immediately out of the water (Matthew 3:16). Obviously, if He came out of the water He had to go down into it. The only reason for Him to do that was the fact that His baptism required a burial in water. The same can be said for the account of the Ethiopian’s baptism (Acts 8:38). In the New Testament baptism was indisputably an immersion in water! One who has undergone sprinkling or pouring has not been baptized.
Further, there is not one single account of infant baptism in the New Testament. That practice has no Scriptural authority. It developed in response to the false doctrines of total depravity and original sin. These are indisputable facts, neither of which can be sustained in the Bible!
Any student of the New Testament knows that music was an important element in the worship of the church (Matthew 26:30; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16). The introduction of any mechanical instruments of music into the worship of the church came centuries after the close of the New Testament and came without any New Testament authorization. According to the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (Volume VI, page 759): “The general introduction of instrumental music can certainly not be assigned to a date earlier than the 5th and 6th centuries; yea, even Gregory the Great, who towards the end of the 6th century added greatly to the existing Church music, absolutely prohibited the use of instruments.” Music in the church, at least through the first five centuries of her history, was undisputedly singing without musical accompaniment of any kind.
If, as some argue, the use of mechanical instruments is authorized in the New Testament, it is clear that the disciples through the first five centuries of the church’s existence were unaware of it. That defies belief! Now you may reason that this is not a matter of any great concern to believers, but for those who believe that it is important to respect the Divine will, these are matters of grave importance. These are indisputable facts. Now we must determine how we will respond to them.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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By Thy Words
“For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:37).
You can tell an awful lot about people just by listening to them talk for a few minutes. Consider thy words. What comes out of a man’s mouth will reveal what is in his heart (Matthew 12:34-35).
Words have unbelievable power. Solomon warned: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). James wrote: “The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity“(James 3:5,6).
Christianity demands that we bridle our tongue (James 1:26). The Bible is clear!
- “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29)
- “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” (Colossians 4:6)
- “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor” (Ephesians 4:25)
Consider thy words and ask three questions before speaking.
- Are the words kind?
- Are they pure?
- Are they true?
If our speech doesn’t pass all three tests then we should be silent. “He that keepeth his words keepeth his life” (Proverbs 13:3).
The way we say something is every bit as important as what we say. This is especially true when tempers flare. “A soft answer turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1). And, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver” (Proverbs 25:11).
Our words do reveal the content of our heart. Gossip, lying, profanity, and vulgarity all are symptoms of a diseased heart.
If we are not careful our words may come back to haunt us. “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).
Therefore, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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If I Had Only Known
“If I had only known then what I know now, what a difference it would have made.”
Now eighty, and life quickly passing him by, he could see how wrong he had been. If he had only known then. Hindsight is always twenty/twenty.
He had been a moral man, a good provider, and fairly active in his community, but his driving ambition had been to make money, to be successful. He was. Everything he touched seemed to prosper. But, it took its toll. If he had only known the true toll. With each success came greater responsibilities, increased demands on his time and energy, and always the desire to do even better. His family, his church, and even his health were sacrificed in the name of success.
Now he was successful. He had more money than he could ever hope to spend in his few remaining years, but somehow it mattered little. His wife had died years earlier, some say from a broken heart. All she had wanted was a loving home and family, but that had not been enough for him. He wanted to give her everything. He did. He gave her every “thing,” but he was always too busy to give himself. The children were married and had kids of their own. They seldom came around unless they needed something. What few friends he had were there because of what he had, not what he was. He was a lonely, dejected old man. He had everything! He had nothing! If he had only known then.
Solomon wrote, “There is that maketh himself rich, yet hath nothing: there is that maketh himself poor, yet hath great riches” (Proverbs 13:7). Real wealth cannot be measured in dollars and cents. A man who leaves God out of his life is poor, no matter how much he may accumulate.
Jesus once asked, “What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matthew 16:26)?
Don’t be one who says, “if I had only known.” Don’t wait until it’s too late to get your priorities straight.
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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Good News for Everyone
Do you really believe the good news?
Somewhere not far from Bethlehem shepherds watched over their flocks at night. Suddenly the angel of the Lord appeared. The brightness of his glory struck terror in their hearts. Then the angel spoke good news: “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).
The world would never be the same. Hope would be restored to the hearts of men. Salvation had been brought down. The Prince of peace, the Lord of lords, the King of kings had come. It was for this solitary life the world had been waiting.
His long anticipated coming was good news. But His birth was only part of the story. The babe in the manger was destined to become the Christ of the cross. He provided a foundation for ethics and morality which would never be surpassed. At the heart of His system was the idea that we should treat others as we desire to be treated (Matthew 7:12). He set an example in speech and conduct which was unassailable. He did no sin (1 Peter 2:22). He offered Himself as the sin bearer for mankind reconciling man and his Maker (2 Corinthians 5:18-21). This He accomplished at great personal cost (2 Corinthians 8:9). He was the Son of God. He was the way to God (John 14:6).
I am thankful that each year the world pauses to remember the good news of His birth. At this time of year the hearts of many are more open to the needs of others. Generosity, kindness, and compassion are all more noticeable. But, I would hope that we would look beyond His birth to the events of His life, death and resurrection, and that we would let Him draw out the best in us throughout the year.
If we give place to Jesus in our hearts but twice a year (at Christmas and Easter), I am convinced we have no real understanding or appreciation for the “good news” declared at His birth. However, if we believe the biblical narrative and acknowledge Christ to be the Lord, then His life will have a profound and positive impact on our lives every day of the year. Do you really believe the good news? Real belief takes action.
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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Removing the Glass of the Mirror
For now we see in a mirror dimly…
For a lot of people, it is customary to get up in the morning, look in the glass of the mirror, and take care of personal grooming and looks. You want to see for yourself what others see, and then take care of any flaws that you might have. Once you walk away from the mirror and head out the door, you are exposing yourself to the world.
The same thing happens with us spiritually. Paul wrote, “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known (1 Corinthians 13:12).” James also describes one that hears the words of God but does not do them like “a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does (James 1:23-25).” Every day we need to examine ourselves spiritually, for we are always exposed to God.
We want to be with God, and see Him face to face. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matthew 5:8).” The Hebrew writer says, “Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).”
If we want to see God and let Him see us, we need to look in the spiritual mirror (God’s Word) and fix our flaws. By looking in the Word of God, we can see the kind of people God wants us to be and find and take care of our spiritual flaws. He wants us to be pure, holy, and peaceable. We need to allow His Word to change ourselves so we can see Him. Remember, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face (1 Corinthians 13:12).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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What Precedes Your Judgment?
Judgment is coming. Prepare now and be ready.
The Bible clearly gives us all a warning: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:27-28).” Unless the Lord should come back first, we are all going to die. After death, we will all be judged based on the things done in the body, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Paul tells Timothy, “some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden (1 Timothy 5:24-25).” He says there are two main categories, sin and good works.
Sin is something that we have all done, we have all committed (Romans 3:23). Some sins are evident to men, and others are not. Paul described the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, noting that those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God. However, even what man does not see God sees. The hidden sins will follow us to the Day of Judgment.
On the other hand, God prepares us for every good work through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There are many good works that men may see, and they all should glorify our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). However, there are also things that may be done in secret; God will reward us for them openly (Matthew 6:6).
Whether in secret, or out in the open, God sees. Are you walking in sin, or are you doing good works? Either will precede your judgment. Let us choose to “do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16).” Have you accepted Christ as Saviour?
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Content by Richard Dillon
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God’s Word
You can accept the Bible as God’s Word.
I accept the trustworthiness of the Bible. I have confidence in the Scriptures. Peter said of the prophets of the Old Testament: “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21).”
The apostle Paul wrote concerning Scripture (Old and New Testaments): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).” The Bible is no ordinary book. The handiwork of God can be seen upon every page. It is not meant to be read as the mere creation of mortal minds, but as the product of the mind of God. The Christians at Thessalonica were commended because they received the God’s word not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Further, the New Testament writers were eyewitnesses of the things of which they wrote. Peter said: “For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty (2 Peter 1:16).” The apostle John was just as emphatic when he wrote: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life (1 John 1:1).” Guided by God’s Spirit, theirs was eyewitness testimony. They express no doubt that Jesus was the God’s Son. We can trust their testimony!
The Bible is God’s word. We would be wise to heed the call of the prophet Jeremiah who cried out, “O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord (Jeremiah 22:29).”
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Can You See Yourself?
Can you see yourself in these parables?
A certain man who had two sons came to the first and said, “Son, go work in my vineyard.” The young man answered, “I will not,” but afterward repented and went. Then the second son was also commanded to go work in the vineyard. He said to his father, “Sir, I go,” but didn’t. Which one did the will of his father (Matthew 21:28-31)?
There is an important lesson in that parable. Jesus demands action, not just lip service! During his ministry He called attention to a statement Isaiah had made centuries earlier. The prophet had written, “…this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me…” (Isaiah 29:13). Jesus applied the prophet’s statement to His own generation. Men were quick to profess faith, but it was not a life changing faith. Theirs was a religion of the lips and not of the heart. Like the young man in the parable, men were saying yes but meaning no! Such a religion lacks value.
Can you see yourself in the story Jesus told? Have you said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you,” but you have refused to obey His commands? Have you been baptized (Mark 16:16)? Are you a student of the Bible (2 Timothy 2:15)? Do you live your religion daily (Philippians 1:27)? Or, are you merely offering lip service to the Lord?
Ironically, it seems that many are content to be the second son, saying yes to the Father’s demands, but unwilling to obey. Is that how you see yourself? I hope not. The Lord saw through that young man’s hypocrisy, and he will see through ours as well.
Which son are you? I hope not the second! If so, change the way you are and the way you see yourself. Say yes to Jesus, and then follow through.
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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Freedom
The Human Heart Longs for Freedom
Every 4th of July our nation celebrates Independence Day. I am grateful for the holiday and what it represents. I have difficulty imagining what it would be like to grow up in any other environment. It is the longing of the human heart to be free.
But, there is a freedom even more precious than that we know as citizens of the United States. It is the freedom we find in Jesus Christ. He said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).
Apart from Christ, all men are enslaved to sin. Sin is the great burden of man’s heart. We are helpless to remove it. We are condemned by it. Its consequences are both immediate and eternal. Paul cried out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?” (Romans 7:24). And then he proclaimed, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 7:25).
Sunday is the Lord’s Day. Christians will gather around the world to remember His sacrifice and the freedom it made possible — freedom from the condemnation of sin. “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death” (Romans 8:1, 2).
The cost of freedom is never cheap. The blood of many a native son has been shed to provide and maintain our freedom. Even now our young men and women in uniform are putting themselves in harms way and giving their lives that we might be free. Yet, to secure our deliverance from sin required an even greater sacrifice — the blood of God’s own Son.
The freedom we enjoy as citizens is ours by birth. The freedom we have in Christ is ours by choice. It is truth, believed and acted upon, which secures for us the freedom Christ provides. Have you been set free from the bondage of sin? Do you believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God? Have you repented of your sins? Will you confess His blessed name? Will you be born again (baptized)?
As the bells of freedom ring throughout our land may they also remind us of the greater freedom we have through Christ.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Your Sins Will Find You Out
Don’t go to your grave thinking that your sins can be safely hidden.
There is a misconception common to all men. It is the belief that your sins can be hidden from God’s sight. Moses assured the Israelites that it could not be done when he warned, “be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23). There may be times when we can deceive others, but God is never fooled.
Achan learned this lesson when he hid some stolen goods in the floor of his tent and thought no one knew. The problem was, God knew, and Achan and his family perished (Joshua 6:18-7:26). Ananias and Sapphira learned a similar lesson when they tried to lie to God. But, God knew their hearts. They died! We have no secrets from the Lord. “All things are naked and open unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13).
Time cannot hide your sins. They may appear safely buried like a murdered corpse, and the grass may grow over the grave, but resurrection awaits. Your sins, no matter how carefully concealed they may be, someday they will be exposed! Don’t go to your grave thinking that your sins can be safely hidden. Every thought we think, every word we speak, and every deed we do (good or bad) is known by our Heavenly Father (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Matthew 12:36).
Sin has been, and will always be, man’s greatest problem. All of us are guilty (Romans 3:23). Two alternatives are before us. We can confront the problem and with God’s help overcome it, or we can continue to pretend that the problem does not exist. You can’t hide your sins from God, none of us can, but you can be cleansed by the blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18, 19). There is hope in Him. “And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
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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Agur’s Last Request
What would you want as a last request?
People often make a last request. Often, it is recorded in their last will and testament. They want certain things to happen after they die. Also, they may have goals to reach before they die. If someone finds out they do not have much time left on this earth, he may make one last request. What would you want as a last request?
Consider two things requested of God by Agur: “Two things I request of You (deprive me not before I die): remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches – feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ or lest I be poor and steal, and profane the name of my God (Proverbs 30:7-9).”
His first request is to remove falsehood and lies far from him. Lying is something that God is not pleased with. In fact, “…all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:8).” We all need to be forgiven of the sin of lying, and that is the truth.
His second request is to receive neither poverty nor riches. If he has too little, he may be tempted to steal and profane the name of God. This would, of course, break one of God’s original commandments (Exodus 20:15). If he has too much, he may deny the LORD. Jesus said that if we deny Him, He will deny us (Matthew 10:33). Consider the apostle Paul: he knew what it was like to be without, and he knew what it was like to have too much. In all things, he was content (Philippians 4:11-12).
What would your last request of God be? Would your last request, your desire, be for salvation and acceptance by God?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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You Reap What You Sow
What seeds do you sow? What should you expect to reap?
If a farmer were to sow watermelon seeds, he expects to grow watermelons. If he were to sow apple seeds, he expects to grow apple trees. Whatever seeds he sows are what he expects to grow. Therefore, one must sow the proper seed to grow the desired fruit. The saying is true: “you reap what you sow.” In fact, it comes straight out of the word of God (Galatians 6:7)!
Spiritually, we reap what we sow! Paul said, “For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:8-9).” If we only satisfy our physical desires, it will lead to our eternal death; if we satisfy the needs of our soul, we will reap everlasting life.
Paul also wrote, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver… Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God (2 Corinthians 9:6-7,10-11).”
God gives us the seed. We must sow that seed to produce fruit. God will bless our efforts, and we must be cheerful and thankful. “Are you sowing the seed…”? Remember, you reap what you sow!
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Final Words
Take to heart the final words of Paul.
Several years ago a young lady tried to cross a water covered road in her automobile and was swept away. As the force of the water carried her car further and further down stream, she reached for her cell phone and called her husband to express her love for him and the children one last time. Shortly thereafter she was dead. When I heard that story my heart ached. How sad, and yet, how wonderful! Her final words were of love and devotion for those dearest to her.
It is generally believed that Paul’s second letter to Timothy was the last from his pen, his final words, and probably written sometime in A.D. 66-67 from a prison cell in Rome. From the language it is clear that Paul believed death was near. Though we cannot be certain, it appears that Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28), made his way to Spain (Romans 15:24, 28), returned to Rome, where he was arrested a second time, and ultimately executed.
His final words are words of warning and of hope. Here is what he wrote. “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to be, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:1-8 NASB).
Paul gave Timothy a solemn charge to live with a view to judgment and to faithfully preach the word. With his final words he offered a sober warning about the dangers of false teachers and urged Timothy to stand fast. And, he wrote of a secure future in the face of death, not only for himself, but for all God’s children. We would all do well to take to heart his final words.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Laborers for the Harvest
Send forth laborers.
Matthew says of Jesus, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). It was then that Jesus said to his disciples, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest” (Matthew 9:37, 38).
The world’s population has passed the seven billion mark.
The task of preaching the gospel to the lost is enormous. In spite of the technological advances of this century men are still dying every day having never heard of Jesus. Something must be done.
Taking the gospel to the world is not an impossible mission.
The early church did it without all of the modern tools at our disposal. At a time when transportation was slow and dangerous, they went everywhere preaching the word (Acts 8:4). Without the aid of radio, television or newspapers they made inroads throughout their world (Colossians 1:6). Can we do the same? Yes, but we must imitate their example.
First, we must be convinced that Jesus truly was the Son of God, and that he conquered death.
There was not the slightest doubt on the part of those first disciples as to who he was or what he did. They understood that every man’s salvation hinged on a relationship with him. There was no salvation in any other (Acts 4:12).
Second, they believed in the importance of their mission.
They were willing to make any sacrifice. They faced all kinds of obstacles. They were arrested, beaten, threatened, executed, yet they kept on. They counted it a joy to suffer for him (Acts 5:41).
Third, they never tired of telling others about him.
Luke says of them, “Daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). They could not be quiet. Souls were at stake.
Fourth, each did what he could.
Following the persecution which developed after the death of Stephen, “they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word” (Acts 8:4). Luke makes a point of telling his readers that the apostles remained in Jerusalem (Acts 8:1). These were ordinary Christians taking the message to the lost. Good news has to be shared. They could not be quiet.
Fifth, they never let failure or discouragement get the best of them.
They were not always successful (Acts 24:25; 26:28), but they never gave up.
The harvest is still great, and the laborers are still few.
Jesus calls for workers. Are you willing to serve him? Start by learning of Him and accepting 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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Satisfy Your Hunger
Have you ever had your hunger for something take over, where you could never satisfy it?
Maybe you might have been in one of those moods where you wanted to eat something, but you are not sure exactly what that something is that you have a hunger for. Then, even when you do finally decide on something to eat, you can only eat so much of it until you are full. Then, after a while, you will eventually hunger again.
If you could partake of something that could cure your hunger, totally satisfy it, would you?
There is someone who can fully satisfy your spiritual hunger: Jesus Christ! He said, “I am the Bread of Life…I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world (John 6:48, 51)”. Physical food will only fill us for a while; spiritual food will fill us and satisfy us for eternity!
Jesus Christ gave Himself for us that we might live forever in Heaven with Him.
As Christians, we remember His sacrifice for us each first day of the week (Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:26). That is something we should desire to do! We look forward to it each first day of each week. Do you desire the things of Christ? Do you strive to be like Him? Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (Matthew 5:6)”.
Satisfy your hunger spiritually by feeding on Jesus Christ! Accept His offer of salvation.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Does it Matter?
Truly, does it matter? It depends what it is!
Teddy Roosevelt is said to have told the following story about two men who were talking politics. One asked the other, ”Why are you a Republican?” The response came back, “Because my father was a Republican, and my grandfather before him.” “Well, that’s not a very good reason,” his companion retorted. “If your father had been a horse thief, and your grandfather had been a robber, what would that have made you?” “I guess I’d been a Democrat,” he replied.
You may find that story amusing, but, then again, if you are a Democrat, you may not. I’m not a political person, to party affiliation I can say, “does it matter?”. Come election time, I’m more concerned with a person’s principles than his party. But, I must admit, for many party affiliation is all that matters. Those who take their politics seriously would argue that there are real philosophical differences between the parties. To them, it does matter!
What kind of car do you drive? Do you own a Ford, Chrysler, or a General Motors product? To show you how strongly we feel, our family has one of each. But, I know folks who wouldn’t own anything but Fords. Others favor Chryslers. Still others drive only General Motors automobiles. Some will only own imports. To them, it does matter!
What’s your favorite soft drink? Is it Coke? Pepsi? The Un-Cola? Or, are you a Pepper? People have preferences. To them, it does matter!
If you haven’t gotten the point yet, people have strong feelings about a lot of things. Yet, when asked about religion, they will often respond, “I don’t think it matters what church you belong to. After all, one is as good as another!” The car you drive, the soft drink you prefer, the party you identify with matters. But to religion many people just say, “does it matter?” The truth is, nothing matters more.
Those who say it doesn’t matter have never read the Bible. When it comes to Christianity there is Christ’s church, and then there are all the impostors. Come Judgment Day, the only thing that will matter is whether or not we were members of His church. Does it matter? It matters!
In the New Testament there is only one church (Ephesians 4:4; Colossians 1:18). All of the saved are added to it (Acts 2:47). Heaven is the destiny of the church (John 14:1-3). It does matter.
Join the party you like. Drive the car you prefer. Drink the soda you enjoy most. But, when it comes to the church, make it the church of Christ’s choice, not yours. It does matter!
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Faith or Superstition?
Superstition and Faith are often incorrectly associated.
A superstition is defined as “1 a: a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation b: an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition 2: a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary” (Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, page 1183). Superstitions are unsupported by facts. They originate in ignorance.
Faith is often associated with superstition. In fact, one of the definitions provide in Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary for faith is “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” I suspect that to be the definition many people attach to “faith” in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Nothing, however, could be further from the truth.
Faith, as that word is used in Scripture, is not belief without proof, but belief based on evidence. Peter admonished Christians to provide reasons for their faith, because our faith is reasonable (1 Peter 3:15). Since the beginning of recorded history there has never been a better explanation of origin than the one found in Genesis 1:1. God did it, and the available evidence lends credence to the claim. No evidence to the contrary has been forth coming.
Regarding the identity of Jesus, one cannot improve upon Peter’s assertion that He was the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). That such a man as Jesus lived is beyond dispute. That He has had a profound impact for good upon the world is undeniable. Some would say He was a good man, but not the Son of God. To which I would ask, “Would a good man allow others to think that he was something he was not?” Either Jesus was who the Scriptures revealed Him to be, the Son of God and Savior of the world, or He was a liar and an impostor. The evidence points to the former and denies the latter. Our faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is supported by the evidence.
Superstitions are beliefs without proof. Faith, as that word is used in relationship to Jesus Christ, is belief based upon evidence, and that faith comes by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17). Have you examined the evidence? Do you believe? Are you acting on that belief?
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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Giving of our Time
“See then that ye walk circumspectly , not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” – Ephesians 5:15-16
How much of your time do you give to God? Sure, you may give a generous amount of your money to the Lord, but money is not the only thing with which God blesses us. Time is a much more precious commodity, and all of the time we have is a gift from our Heavenly Father.
In Ephesians 5:15-16, it is written: “See than that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” As is typically the case, in New Testament epistles, “walk” is a figurative term used in reference to living used in reference to living one’s life. To “walk circumspectly” is to live cautiously. Christians are commanded to live cautiously, “redeeming the time.” To redeem something is literally to “rescue [it] from loss.” Therefore, Christians are commanded to live cautiously, so that their time is not wasted. After all, time is something that we all are running out of, and no one is capable of substantially increasing their supply.
The world teaches us to spend our time making money and enjoying leisure activities, but the Lord wants us to spend our time in pursuit of spiritual goals, as well. How much time do you spend:
- Worshipping God?
- Studying the Bible?
- Being of service to your fellow men?
- Talking to others about Jesus, and encouraging them to follow in His footsteps?
- Visiting those who are spiritually and physically sick?
All of these are perfectly good ways for us to spend our time wisely; and give back a portion of what God has blessed us with, in our lives.
Content by Russell Kline
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Who is in Charge?
Sometimes we get a reminder of who is in charge.
Nightmares can really be scary. Ask old king Nebuchadnezzar. On more than one occasion he was bothered by his night visions. Daniel 4 is a case in point. That night things were well in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar retired for the evening feeling very confident, but he awoke frightened and troubled. He had a dream about, of all things, a tree.
A tree grew to great height. Its leaves were healthy and its fruit abundant. Birds built their nests in its branches, and the beasts of the field found comfort in its shadow. But, a divine messenger came down from heaven to demand that the tree be cut down and destroyed. Only the stump and roots were to remain. Why was this to be done? So that the living may know “that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men” (Daniel 4:17).
Daniel interpreted the dream for king Nebuchadnezzar. It seems the old king had gotten a little too big for his britches, and this was God’s way of letting him know he had crossed the line. God was telling him who is in charge with a dream. That tree represented the king. He was about to be toppled. For seven years Nebuchadnezzar would dwell with the beasts of the field and eat grass as oxen. This would be true until he acknowledged that “the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will” (Daniel 4:25). It was a not so subtle reminder of who is in charge!
There are times when we also forget who is in charge. Once in a while it may look like the devil has gotten the upper hand, but it’s only temporary. God is alive and still in control. Victory belongs to the redeemed! God has a way of dealing with those who have dealt Him out of the game. And, it’s not pleasant as Nebuchadnezzar was about to find out!
The next time you are feeling discouraged, just remind yourself of this important lesson. God is still in charge! We are on the winning team. Remember what John wrote: “…and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4-5).
Smile! Who is in charge? God is still in charge and all is well in the universe.
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Noah’s Faith and Ours
Noah was saved through his faith; will your faith save you?
Recently, Brother Brian Giselbach conducted our gospel meeting on “Foundations of Faith.” His last lesson was centered on helping us when our faith becomes weak. One person that came to my mind who had his faith often challenged was Noah. Just imagine how Noah was mocked, ridiculed, and ignored while building the ark God instructed him to make. Imagine the possible doubts. Would it really rain? What indeed was rain? Did God know what He was talking about?
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith (Hebrews 11:7).” Noah knew it was going to rain based on God’s warning, and did what God told him. Because he found grace in the eyes of God (Genesis 6:8), Noah showed he was willing to listen and obey Him. When the rains came down, the ark went up! Noah and his family were saved by water and the unrepentent and sinful world was lost.
Today, God warns us of things not yet seen. The Bible, God’s Word, tells us what will happen to those that obey Him; it also tells us what will happen to those that do not obey Him.
We, too, must be moved with godly fear. We cannot come to God without faith (Hebrews 11:6), and that faith must work (James 2:17,20). Noah was saved in water, and today the waters of baptism help us be saved from our sins through the blood of Christ. Jesus said, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:16).” Baptism is for the remission of sins (Acts 22:16).
Noah was saved through his faith; will your faith save you? Will you act in faith and accept the salvation offered in Christ?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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