Courage to Do Right                                                    February 18, 2024

Courage is the antidote to uncertainty, fear and anxiety – a few of the strikingly powerful human emotions that can rob us of abundant joy and purposeful direction (John 10:10).  In trying times, we must first be committed to do the right thing.  The courageous aspect of this commitment is evidenced by Peter and the apostles as they faced the intimidating threats of the Jewish Council and said, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Again, when Peter exhorted Christian wives to be submissive to their husbands in a Godly and gentle manner, he cited the example of Sarah, who obeyed her husband, calling him lord.  Then, he goes on to explain how they could share in her likeness by doing right “without being frightened by any fear” (I Peter 3:1-6).

Later in the same chapter, Peter widens his scope to all who might “suffer for the sake of righteousness”, saying, “do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence…” (Vs 14-15).

It’s amazing how someone who denied the Lord three times in rapid succession should have so much to say on the subject of courage! (Matthew 26:69-75).  Clearly, there is a remarkable difference between the man who denied the Lord in HIs hour of crisis and the man who boldly spoke out for God in the face of great opposition.

Courage evaporates in the presence of discouragement.  Even then, we must focus on doing the right thing, trusting God to work things out according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  We must follow the example of David who, in spite of unbelievably discouraging circumstances, found a way to encourage himself in the Lord (I Samuel 30:6).  Communing with God in prayer and study is essential along with finding creative ways to “encourage one another” (Hebrews 3:13).

By Glen Elliott

Buried With A Bible                                                    February 11, 2024

Years ago, when the tomb of Constantine was discovered, archaeologists found his remains situated in a most unusual manner.  Apparently, he had been positioned sitting on his throne with a crown on his head, a scepter in his right hand, and a Bible on his lap.  What they discovered was that his crown had fallen from its place, his scepter from its bony clasp, but, the Bible was still in his lap opened to Matthew 16:26: “For what will a man be profited, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his soul?  Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”

God’s word deserves our utmost respect and devotion.  David prayed, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (Psalms 119:11).  Jeremiah spoke of a time when God’s people would have His teachings written on their hearts (Jeremiah 31:31-33).  When God’s word is written on our hearts, His teaching will be put into practice into our lives.  Only an open Bible can accomplish this purpose.  What good is owning a genuine, hand-sewn leather edition of the Bible if it is never opened and read?  Many Bibles, opened on Sundays, are unused the rest of the week.  They might as well be left on the pew until the next Sunday.  Too many have buried their Bible in a grave of misplaced priorities.  One day, when their tomb is uncovered, their beautiful, seldom used Bibles might as well be opened to Matthew 7:23: “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”

It will be too late to open the Bible when we have been laid to rest.  Hebrews 9:27 reminds us “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment…”  Diligent study and faithful application of God’s word in this are necessary for His approval in the next (II Timothy 2:15; James 1:25).  It may be a fitting gesture for a faithful Christian to be buried with his Bible; but the thing which first be buried is the old man of complacency and neglect.  That must happen is this life as we open our hearts to the power of God’s word, remembering that it is not a Bible enclosed in our coffin, but a transformed life that reminds others that our hope was grounded in Jesus and His word.

By Glen Elliott

“Push Through It” Endurance                                         February 4, 2024

A pee-wee football team enthusiastically runs on to the field where a prominently displayed, break-through banner is held in place by pee-wee cheerleaders.  Rather than breaking through the banner, the team begins running around it and are urgently directed to correct their mistake.  Half of the team changes course, heading back toward the banner.  Likewise, those already past the banner immediately change their direction and head back toward the banner, only in the opposite direction, meeting teammates at the banner in a hilarious display of mass confusion.  Just then, the coach throws down his hat in frustration and walks away.

Endurance has been described as “pushing through it” – “it” being whatever stands in the way of spiritual progress.  “It” could be a trial or tribulation (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-5).  For Jesus, “it” was the cross.  We are exhorted to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and … run with endurance the race that is set before us …” (Hebrews 12:1).  We must “push through it.”  We must not “grow weary” or “lose heart in doing good” (Galatians 6:9-10).  Instead, in light of the coming resurrection, we must “be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).  We find strength to “push through it” by “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

We must not sidestep the inevitable suffering which comes our way; but shoulder our burden with the help of God and our spiritual family (II Timothy 3:12; Galatians 6:2, 5).  Each “push through it” moment strengthens us for the next, building endurance and spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4).  Such opportunities come and go.  But, once they have passed, we cannot “push through it” in the opposite direction and expect to receive the promised blessing.  However, we can reset our course and prepare for the next “push through it” opportunity to build endurance and demonstrate our trust in God.

By Glen Elliott

Anxious                                                                         January 28, 2024

Many suffer from what might be called emotional paralysis.  We are unable to function today because we either live in the past or are preoccupied with worry about the future.  While we may regret mistakes of the past, we cannot make up for those mistakes by continually reliving them in our minds.  Where forgiveness is necessary, we should by all means pursue it with vigor.  But there comes a time when we must move on and make the most of the present.

The apostle Paul had formerly lived in hostility to the way of Christ.  He was obsessed with the destruction of the church.  He consented to the death of Stephen (Acts 7:58; 8:1).  He had been “a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor…” (I Timothy 1:13).  Paul dealt with his dark past by looking forward to his bright future in Christ.  He wrote the Christians at Philippi saying, “forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).  It matters not so much where we have been as where we are going.  We cannot change the past, but we can set the course for our future by how we choose to live today.

While some need to move forward out of the past, others need to take a step back from the future.  It is as paralyzing to occupy today with worries of tomorrow as it is to continually relive the past.  In these troubling times, how can we avoid needless worry?  The inspired recipe is ours: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).  In the midst of his warning about coming persecutions, Peter tells us to cast “all our anxiety upon Him, because He cares for us (I Peter 5:7).

Because God cares, there is no past so dark or future so bleak but that our present cannot be filled with the light of hope: “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us be glad in it” (Psalms 118:24).                    By Glen Elliot, Greenbrier church of Christ (Adapted)

Christians are not completely immune to anxiety.  However, as Holy Spirit-filled followers of the will of God, we do have access to a God who cares for us and who will help us cope with this human reality.  Consider, for instance, some things that have been discovered about human anxiety.  Objective studies indicate that the average person’s anxiety is focused on 40% of things that will never happen; 30% of things about the past that can’t be changed; 12% of things about the criticism of others, mostly untrue; 10% about health, which gets worse with stress and 8% about real problems that will be faced.

By grace, God gave us Jesus Christ who pleads, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for yourselves.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).                By John ? (Only the first name was given) (Collingwood church of Christ bulletin)

If We’re In Heaven And Know Some Of Our Loved Ones Aren’t There, Will We Be Happy?                                            January 21, 2024

Perhaps a bigger concern for the moment is, how unhappy are we right NOW about our loved ones who are not Christians or unfaithful Christians?  I’m not happy about it, are you?  But, that does not prevent me nor hinder me from serving and worshipping God acceptably.  How much effort are we exerting to teach them and encourage them to obey the Gospel?  If we were more unhappy about it, would we do more to teach and warn them?

It’s not possible for us to have control over others.  Nor can we make them obey the Lord and live faithful Christian lives.  We certainly can teach, counsel, advise, warn, beg and plead and pray for our loved ones (and everyone else) to obey God.  But, we can’t make them obey.  What we can do is be a good example and influence for them.  We can pray for them.  But we cannot live their life for them.  God made it that way.  Each one is responsible for him/herself and no other.  Would you like for someone to have control over you and make all your choices for you?  I wouldn’t, and I don’t think you would either.

The Scriptures are clear concerning our state of mind in heaven. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away” (Revelation 21:4).  How God will make this happen is not my concern.  The Bible simply says that is the way it will be.  God will take care of it.

I John 3:20 has some bearing on this subject as well.  “For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.”  God will take care of it.  We often may feel inadequate and down on ourselves, but we need not be.  God wants us to be saved and has provided what is necessary so we can be saved.  When we comply with His commands, He will take care of the rest.

Another thing to consider is that our relationship with one another will be different in heaven than it is on earth,  Jesus said, “For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven” (Matthew 22:30).  What God has in store for us, we do not completely know right now, but we do know it will be wonderful and beyond our imagination.

The time is NOW that we prepare for that day.  Are YOU ready? 

By Garland M. Robinson

Following the Pattern in the New Year          January 14, 2024

What do you suppose God’s people were doing on New Year’s Day roughly 3500 years ago?  Would you believe they were putting up the tabernacle?  “On the first day of the first month, you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting” (Exodus 40:1-2) and “And it came to pass in the first month of the Second year, on the first day of the month, that the tabernacle was raised up” (Exodus 40:17).

Earlier in Exodus (chapters 25-31) God had given Moses explicit and detailed instructions about the tabernacle and all of its furnishings. Beginning with this exhortation: “According to all that I show you, that is, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furnishings, just so shall you make it” (Exodus 25:9).  The Lord repeated this command several times as He specified the dimensions, materials, design, etc., of the tabernacle and its furnishings, “And see to it that you make them according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain “ (Exodus 25:40), “And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain” (Exodus 26:30), “As it was shown you on the mountain, so shall they make it” (Exodus 27:8).

Moses and the Israelites took God seriously!  Thus Moses did; according to all that the Lord had commanded him, so he did” (Exodus 40:16).

The tabernacle and the thing associated with it were a shadow of the better things that Jesus Christ established in the New Covenant.  The writer of the book of Hebrews taught that we ought to be even more diligent to be faithful in the New Covenant than Moses and the Israelites were in the Old Covenant (Hebrews 2:1-4; 10:28-31).

In this New Year, let us renew our determination to follow God’s pattern set forth in the New Testament.

By Joe Slater

Raised to Walk In Newness of Life                                   December 31, 2023

“Therefore we have been buried with Christ through baptism into death, in order that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

“And in Christ you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised up with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.  And when you were dead in your transgressions and the un-circumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions,” (Colossians 2:11-13)

Every January the 1st is the beginning of a new year.  Many people bring in the new year with all sorts of festive & celebratory activities.  Some are good and some bad.  Regardless of how the new year is welcomed there is this desire to improve one’s past and makes things better in that new year.  Such a desire has been called, “New Year’s Resolutions.” 

Whenever your favorite sports team fails to advance to the playoffs there is this somewhat comforting idea that there is always next year.  There’s this hope for a better tomorrow in which your hopes and dreams can be fulfilled.  Without such hope our future would be rather empty and meaningless.

I find it interesting that no matter how many times one fails to fulfill their new year’s resolutions they still make some each new year.  Perhaps it’s because others are making them and expect you to do the same or there’s something so desirable about newness, about a fresh start that makes people crave for it.  It could be that they’ve made some terrible mistakes that year and want a fresh start, a clean slate with no regrets in the New Year.  Whatever the reason, the world is saying that they desire new beginnings.

With that in mind there is nothing more new than the newness that Christ offers.  Paul states that this newness begins after one is baptized into Christ through baptism (Romans 6:4).  In faith in the working of God to forgive one’s sins they rise from the waters of baptism to walk in the newness of life for their former life has been forgiven and forgotten by God (Psalms 103:12; Isaiah 43:25-26; Jeremiah 31:34; Micah 7:19; Colossians 2:11-13; Hebrews 8:12).  They are regarded now as a “new creation” (II Corinthians 5:17). 

What’s fascinating about this newness is how it occurs.  First of all, when one is resolved to live a new life that’s like Jesus then God is resolved to help make that happen when that individual is baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of their sins.  Then they rise to walk in newness of life; a new life with no sins of their past existing before God any more.  They are forgiven and forgotten.  There is no “newness” in life that is any greater than that.

If you are not a Christian please make your number resolution to become one.  If you are a Christian then please make your number resolution to become even more Christ-like. 

Happy New Year everyone & God’s blessings always!                            Brian Thompson

What Jesus Said About His Coming                            December 24, 2023

I came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17).  Many of the Jews believed that Jesus’ purpose in coming to earth was to destroy all that they regarded as sacred and holy.  He was quick to remind them that His coming was to fulfill all that was holy and sacred.  If they really looked at the Law and the message of the prophets then they could clearly see that Jesus came to fulfill them and not destroy them.

I came to bring a sword and not peace to the earth (Matthew 10:34-39).  I came to cast fire upon the earth and to bring division (Luke 12:49-53).  How is this possible when angels announced His coming would bring peace among men (Luke 2:14)?  Well, both were correct.  Jesus’ coming would bring inner peace to all those who would hear His words and obey them.  But His coming also brought discord and division between members of one’s household when someone believed in Him while others refused to do so.

I came to eat and drink with sinners (Matthew 11:19).  When some of the Jews saw Jesus eating and drinking with sinners and tax-gatherers they concluded that He wasn’t sent from God nor was He sincere in anything He had to say to them.  Little did they realize why He ate and drank with sinners.  He wanted to save them from the wrath of God which was to come.

I came to preach to everyone (Mark 1:38).  Wherever people lived Jesus wanted to share God’s message with them even in small towns or villages.

I came to bring judgment into this world (John 9:39).  Jesus’ coming opened the eyes of those who were blind to God’s will while at the same time His coming blinded those who professed to seeing God’s will because their selfish pride prevented them from seeing what God wanted them to see.

I came to provide people with an abundant life (John 10:10).  While many Jewish leaders robbed the Jewish people of a joyful life through their teachings Jesus came to provide them through His teachings with a meaningful and abundant life.

I came to die a horrible death for the world (John 12:27).  It really troubled Jesus’ soul to approach the hour of His death.  His mind questioned whether He should ask God to save Him from His death for He knew that was why He came to this earth. 

I came to give God’s words to the apostles so they could share it with the world (John 17:1-8).  There is no gold, silver, rubies, diamonds or any other precious stones that can compare in value to the value of having God’s word available to us today.  It is such a treasure to all throughout the world.

As the world celebrates the coming of Jesus at this time of year may we be reminded of what Jesus says are the reasons for His coming to earth for there is no word that should be more highly revered than the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.     

Brian Thompson

The Blessedness of Giving                                         December 17, 2023

“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35)

Why is this true?

Because it makes us more like our heavenly Father.  “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures.” (James 1:17-18; see also John 3:16-17)

Because it makes us more like Jesus Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28; see also Isaiah 53)

Because it makes us more like the Holy Spirit, who guided the apostles “into all the truth” (John 16:13), “so that we may know the things freely given to us by God” (I Corinthians 2:12-13), who “also helps our weaknesses; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (Romans 8:26).

Because it helps us to be less self-centered.  “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4-5), because love “does not seek its own (interests only)” (I Corinthians 13:5).

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Is that blessedness, our sense of how much we are blessed, and our desire to be a blessing, reflected in our weekly monetary contributions?  Our conversations of concern for others?  Our acts of kindness toward the needy, sick, and hurting?  Our desire and willingness to share the saving gospel of Christ with the lost?  In all, give and be blessed.

By Jeremy Paschall (Adapted)

5 Views of Baptism:  What View Do You Hold?      December 10, 2023

Jesus stated nearly 2000 years ago, “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).  To the simple, unbiased and unprejudiced mind, Jesus’ statement is very clear and easy to understand.  It is as easy to understand a doctor’s statement, “He who eats his food and digests it will live; but he who does not eat will die.”  All of us would easily understand that unless we eat and digest, we will die!  However, for those who have allied themselves with human creeds and have been depraved with worldly wisdom, Jesus’ simple statement becomes confusing and contradicting.  Although the Bible ALWAYS places water baptism (in Jesus’ name) before salvation, men have sought ways to undermine His authority and confuse the simplicity of our Lord’s teaching.

ATHEIST’S VIEW

For example, the atheist would say, “He who believes and is baptized will NOT be saved.”  He has rejected the existence of God and the authority of the Bible.  Unbelievers believe there is no God, yet one would have to be “God” himself to prove such a position.  For one to know that there is no God, he would have had to have been everywhere, seen everything at once and know all things!  Yet Jesus had him in mind when he said, …he who believes not shall be condemned,” and again, “he who does not believe is condemned already” (John 3:18).  Truly “the fool has said in his heart ‘There is no God'” (Psalms 14:1).

UNIVERSALIST’S VIEW

The Universalist approaches the scripture with the bias that God is a God of only love and therefore He can never condemn anyone.  They say, “He who believes NOT and is NOT baptized shall be saved.”  While such a faith accepts the actuality of God, it rejects His word and leaves, nonetheless, a corrupt and misguided picture of Deity.  Warning!  “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him – the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

CATHOLIC’S VIEW

The Catholic comes along and teaches, “He who believes NOT and is baptized shall be saved.”  I say this as a former Catholic who was sprinkled as a baby.  Catholics baptize babies because of the erroneous view of inherited sin (Ezekiel 18:20); however, Bible baptism was NEVER administered to babies.  Jesus taught that babies are safe (Luke 18:15-17).  Notwithstanding, subjects of Bible baptism must have first believed (see again Mark 16:16), yet faith comes by hearing the word of the Lord (Romans 10:17).  How can a baby believe when they cannot understand the word of the Lord?  Can they also confess with their mouth the Lord Jesus (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37)?  False doctrine makes us believe unbelievable things!

PROTESTANT’S VIEW

Then the Baptist comes and says. “He who believes and is NOT baptized shall be saved.”  Yet is this what Jesus said?  Is it Deity’s view?  No amount of human manipulation will change the eternal truth of Mark 16:16.  Beware, all of these “NOT’S” are formulated by men in the devil’s “tale” to cheat your soul!

JESUS’S VIEW

“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16).                                                                  By Steven J. Wallace