What Must I do to be Saved? {Part 3} - Ben Bailey

What Must I do to be Saved? {Part 3}

The third step in God’s plan of salvation is repentance. In Luke 13:3 Jesus expressed the necessity of repentance when He said, “Unless you repent you shall all likewise perish.” Peter preached to the Jews that they needed to repent and be converted so that their sins might be blotted out (Acts 3:19). Since repentance is such an important step in the plan of salvation, let’s examine what the Bible teaches about repentance.

Not Sorrow Alone. Many in our modern world equate repentance with crying and tears. While sorrow is a part of repentance, sorrow alone is not real repentance. The Scripture says that Godly sorrow produces repentance, not that it is repentance (2 Cor. 7:10). Part of repentance is being sorrowful for our sins, but it must go beyond that.

A Changed Will. Repentance is best defined as a changed will that leads to a changed way. Joel encouraged the Israelites to change/rend their hearts and not just their garments (Joel 2:13). The point Joel is making is very clear. We must not just have an outward sign of repentance, but a changed heart. One version renders Joel 2:13 as “tear your hearts, not your garments”. True repentance implies that I must first be willing to change the way I think.

A Changed Way of Life. The second part of repentance demands that we show our repentance by a changed life. John told the hypocritical Jews to “bring forth fruits worthy of repentance…” (Matt 3:8). Christians are commanded to walk in a newness of life (Romans 6:4). Paul reminded the Corinthian Christians that they had once lived a sinful life, but were not living that way anymore (1 Cor. 6:9ff). To truly repent, one must change the way he thinks and the way he acts.

Dear friend, have you truly changed your will and your way to the will and way of God? If we are going to be saved, we must truly repent. May God give us the courage and the strength to possess biblical repentance!

To learn more about the plan of salvation you can watch this video: https://thegospelofchrist-tgoc.subspla.sh/wcnmxp2

"Wait...Who went there?" - Evangelism in the first century - Joey Ferrell

I was recently tasked with preparing a lesson for the Middle Tennessee School of Preaching on the subject of the churches listed in 1 Peter 1:1. This is one of the very few times that several of these churches are even mentioned in the Bible. For context sake, here is the passage:

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”

— 1 Peter 1:1, NKJV

So, I break out my Bible to learn more about these churches. Galatia (and Phrygia in my assignment) were somewhat easy to find a little more about since we have the letter to the churches at Galatia written by the Apostle Paul. In that letter, Paul addresses some things that were happening inside and outside of that early church since his visit there had taken place. Okay. Enough information was there to start a good study, then move to the historical evidence for the churches of Galatia and on to some others.

Several of these churches are listed in that group of people in Acts 2:9 and would have probably been some of the ones who obeyed the gospel that very day. Again, easy enough to compile that information. Now, on to the others. Cappadocia…uh oh. I cannot find much in the Bible, nor in historical context about this church. Then to Pontus….oh, that one is easy, I remember seeing that Aquila was born there….well, that’s about all the Bible says about that. And now Bithynia. Hmm. Wait, I found a couple of verses! Let’s see what they say:

“Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.”

— Acts 16:6-7, NKJV

Well…now isn’t that just dandy! Now I have another question in my aching head…Why did the Spirit keep them from going into the area? I cannot answer that without an estimation of that is what God wanted in His providential will! Of course, I can speculate a little. If Paul had gone into Asia, specifically Bithynia, at this point, we might not be able to read about the Macedonian call, several converts in the area where he went, and of course the Philippian jailer and his family may have also not learned the gospel. Yes, that is how God’s providence appears to work at times. Maybe it isn’t my time or yours to go and do certain things in certain places; however, there is a time and a place for us where we are or where we may be going!'

So…that leads us to the next question.

What happened in Pontus and Bithynia and who went there? The church was established in one or more places. I know that to be true based on historical evidence we will look at in just a moment. The who? I don’t know. Someone certainly went. It may have been one of the converts of Paul. It could have been Peter later down the road and we don’t have it recorded. We just don’t know. One commentary I was reading called them “unnamed evangelists.” I like that phrase. It represents so many people that I know. They are doing their best to live for Christ and to teach the gospel to others…yet, their name is not shouted from the mountains or the hill tops. It may not be on a church sign or in a bulletin, and certainly may not be even one who preaches in a pulpit each week. To that, I say God bless you!

Now, back to the task at hand. How do I know that the church was established? Look at the excerpts from a book that I have called “Christianity through the Centuries,” referring to what happened after the end of the first century, some 50-60 years after Paul was forbidden to enter that area:

“Pliny, who was propraetor of Bithynia and Pontus in Asia Minor, wrote to Emperor Trajan about 112 for advice as to how he should deal with the Christians. His epistle gives valuable extra biblical information concerning Christ. Pliny paid high tribute to the moral integrity of the Christians by writing of their unwillingness to commit theft or adultery, to falsify their word, or to repudiate a trust given to them. He went on to say that they “sing a song to Christ as to a God.”

(Christianity Through the Centuries, pp. 49-50; Earl E Cairnes)

Cairnes went on to say about Pliny’s letters:

“Pliny’s letter proved that Christianity was strong in Asia Minor shortly after the beginning of the second century. During the first century it had been confined largely to the eastern section of the empire, with the Jews given first chance to accept Christianity as the gospel reached new cities.” (Cairnes, p. 93)

Those Christians in that area had to come from somewhere! Who went there? I just don’t know, and may never know this side of heaven. Well, is that any different than some of the areas in which you and I are trying to reach with the gospel? Not really. But, sometimes we may get discouraged not knowing the results (fruits) of our labors. Press on brothers and sisters! There is still work to be done, and we need to “raise up” more Christians to cause a ruckus in our day in time for the ungodly and the immoral. We can do it!

Let’s get to work…where we can…when we can…and how we can!

What Must I do to be Saved? [Part 2] - Ben Bailey

What Must I do to be Saved? [Part 2]

There is nothing more important in the entire world than our eternal soul. Jesus said, “What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul” (Mark 8:36-37). God has made it possible for all people to be saved and live the best life (1 Timothy 2:4, John 10:10). Since this is the case we must ask the question, “What must I do to be saved?” In our last post, we noticed the first step in God’s plan of salvation was to hear/listen to God’s Word. Today, let’s look at the second step in God’s plan of salvation.

The second step in the plan of salvation is belief. Jesus said, “If you do not believe that I am He, you will surely die in your sins” (Jn. 8:24). True belief is always an active obedient faith in God. Jesus taught the multitudes that they could not just call him “Lord” and not do the things He said (Matt. 7:21). Believing in Jesus means that we are willing to trust and follow him with our whole hearts. A beautiful example of this is seen in Acts 8. Phillip has just started teaching the Ethiopian Nobleman the gospel plan of salvation. As he teaches him about Christ the Bible tells us they came to a certain water and he wanted to be immersed. Phillip then tells him, “If you believe with all your heart you may” (Acts 8:37). From this text, we learn that belief is a deep conviction that Jesus is Christ the Savior of the world. We also learn that we must be willing to do whatever Jesus says if we really believe in Him (Acts 8:38ff).

While we do not want to underemphasize the importance of belief, please understand that belief alone will never save anyone. In fact, the word belief never means mental acceptance only. Belief always means an active, obedient trust in God (Gal 5:6). We understand this in everyday life. For example, imagine a person is out in the middle of the lake about to drown and someone comes along and throws them a life preserver. If that person just believes the life preserver will save them and never does anything to “be saved” (Acts 2:40), will he be saved? Absolutely not! That person must take steps of action such as reaching for the preserver, holding on, and helping pull himself in. Likewise, there are steps of action associated with belief that one must do to be saved. It is so sad that there are thousands of denominational people who teach that all one must do to be saved is believe in Jesus and accept Him as your personal Savior. Nothing could be further than the truth. Did you know that the Bible never says belief alone will save? In fact, the only time belief alone is used in the Bible, James says it will not save a person (James 2:24). True belief is always associated with the action of doing what God says to be saved (See Hebrews 11).

Have you believed in Jesus as Lord and Savior? Are you willing to put your trust in Him and do what He says to be saved? Be looking for our next post tomorrow as we discuss the most challenging step in salvation--repentance.

You can also watch our video on the plan of salvation from this link: https://thegospelofchrist-tgoc.subspla.sh/wcnmxp2

"Stop stealing from a thief!" - Joey Ferrell

What? Someone stealing from a thief? Well, sort of. But it may not be what you are thinking. This thief was not being robbed of valuables at gun point, pilfered through a bank account, or even burglarized at home…many people are still stealing from him, and its something that you might not be imagining just yet…keep reading.

Who is this thief - well, probably the most famous thief in the history of the world - the fella that hung next to Jesus on the cross on that dreaded day that my Lord was crucified.

Now that I have your attention, let’s take a minute to explore the thought of people stealing from this thief. Although his salvation can never be stolen, that is honestly what many people try to steal from him. The result - they steal not only the honor that he received of our Lord saying “today you will be with me in Paradise,” but also they try to steal the authority of Jesus, and possibly even the entire scheme of redemption from the thief…and you…and me!

Let’s explore a few thoughts.

• Premise one: This man has been said over and over to have not been baptized. That is a problem. It is a problem because not one person alive can prove that he was…or was not! Take a second to think about what he said to Jesus - “remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.” What kingdom? This man is making a great confession here. One that many who try to steal this from him are not willing to make themselves. He is attesting that Jesus is definitely the Lord of Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Daniel, and David. He knew that Jesus would be the head of a kingdom…not just any kingdom…but the one that was at hand!
  
  Where did he hear about this kingdom? Well, although there is no proof…could he have been on the scene of Matthew 3? Remember in Matthew 3 when Jesus was baptized? Matthew 3:1-3 tells us that John was baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming that the “kingdom was at hand” and that the prophets had told of One that was coming to be in all power. Wonder if that thief was in that crowd? I do. I also wonder if maybe…just maybe…he could have been baptized under the baptism of John.

• Second premise: This man lived under the old covenant. His salvation was equal to the same salvation of Moses, Elijah, David, Joseph, John the immerser, and any other who lived prior to the death on the cross! Let that sink in a minute. Every person that had died righteous prior to Jesus’s blood being shed…received that same promise that the thief did that very day. That particular day, every righteous (obedient) person that had died even the day before or minutes before found themselves in Paradise with Jesus that very day. Every soul that had died outside of being obedient to God…well, they had that same day in the Hadean world, but it was not in Paradise. So, what if this man had been obedient in all things…yes, he was accused as a thief, or a rebel. What did he do? I am not sure. Historical accounts state that even slaves that may have committed a crime against their owner could be counted in this number. Maybe he was like Onesimus that we read about later in Colossians and Philemon. But, could he have kept all the statutes as best he could, made all the sacrifices required, possibly, as previously stated, been baptized for repentance…even of the very sins that he may have committed of that nailed him to the cross. Either way…he expressed his penitence on the cross that very day.

• Third premise: Why would someone doubt the deity of the Lord? John 1:1 says that the Word was in the beginning, with God and was God. The Word that became flesh in verse 14 is definitely Jesus as He is identified by John a little further in the text. So, if that be the case, then Jesus is God! I believe it. I suspect you do too. So why would anyone NOT believe that? Honestly, putting all other thoughts aside, this is the one that destroys any thought of the “non-baptism” of the thief and therefore a “loose step” in the plan of salvation including baptism for the remission of sins (c.f. Acts 2:38, 22:16, Mark 16:16, 1 Peter 3:21, etc.) If Jesus is equal to God, then He had the authority to make people rise from death, walk from being lame, see from being blind...and be forgiven of sins! It is clearly an illogical argument when applying the weight of these truths to the question.

So….what about the thief on the cross? Well, what about him? He was in Paradise with Jesus on that very day because Jesus said he was. Nobody can ever argue that…and they usually will not, however, the claws of satan have reached out and caused confusion in this world through lies and deceit. No wonder it is said of the devil that he is the father of all lies! Look at how many souls he has captured in this treacherous lie!

Be patient with anyone that has this objection. They have most likely been taught to defend a handed down belief system that holds no weight in the totality of salvation. Jesus said it…that is what He meant. One MUST be baptized into His death for the forgiveness of sins in order to be saved! Don’t let your emotions get the best of you when in a discussion like this. Arguments can be won, but souls can be lost. Work to identify these three premises, or maybe you can even find others that identify that this idea and question is an illogical one and that as Jesus said “the truth shall make you free.”

At The Gospel of Christ, we have multiple videos, audio, and transcripts regarding the very important issue of salvation. If you or anyone you know needs or wants to study this through, please let us know how we can help!

In Love for Christ,

Joey

What Must I do to Be Saved? - Part 1 - Ben Bailey

**This is an article that is part of a series of 5

What Must I Do to Be Saved? [Part 1]

The Bible says that our Lord and Savior came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). If we are honest with ourselves, we realize that Jesus came to seek and save every one of us. God says, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). Scripture teaches us that our sins separate us from Him and cause spiritual death (Isa. 59:1-2, Rom. 6:23). The good news is that God does not want anyone to be lost. He wants all people to be saved (1 Tim. 2:4). Jesus gave Himself as a sacrifice for all people to be saved (Heb. 2:9; 1 John 2:1-2). The Word of God was given to us so we can know the truth about salvation and be saved (John 8:32; 1 John 5:13). That being true, each person must ask a very important question. What must I do to be saved? Over the next few posts, we are going to examine in detail exactly what the Bible teaches one must do to be saved. As we do this, I want to ask you to honestly examine yourself and see if you are saved the way the Bible teaches (2 Cor. 13:5). Let us notice the first step in God’s plan of salvation.

1. Hear God’s Word. The Bible says, “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17). And “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Heb. 11:6). In the past I am afraid that we have underemphasized the importance of hearing God’s word. What does it mean to really hear God’s word? Please understand that hearing God’s word does not mean you accept anything someone says, even if they say it is from the Bible. By hearing God’s word, two fundamental principles are taught.

First, hearing God’s word means that we recognize its authority. As God said on the Mount of Transfiguration, “This is My Beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, hear Him” (Mk. 9:7). The Bible is the ultimate and final authority in all matters of religion (Matt. 28:18ff, Col. 3:17, Jn. 12:48). On all matters of religion and salvation, we must let the voice of God be the final authority. The question of Romans 4:3 should stand out in our minds. “What do the Scriptures say?” Too many times we hear the voice of other men or commentaries or church manuals over the voice of God. When we choose to hear God’s Word we are letting God have the final say in our salvation.

Second, hearing God’s word means that we give a diligent effort to study, search, seek, and test what we hear. In the process of hearing, one must use the reasoning capabilities God has given him to discern truth from error (I Thes. 5:21). We need to be good hearers like the noble Bereans who “…received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11, ASV). Let us be careful and intelligent in how we hear (Lk. 8:18), what we hear (Mk. 4:24), and Who we hear (Mk. 9:7). To hear God’s word requires that we engage our ears and our mind and make an intellectual decision about what is said based on the Bible as our authority.

Dear friend, who have we been listening to on the matter of salvation? Do we listen to God alone? Or, do we listen to God and someone else’s opinion or teaching? Remember, only the voice of God and His Word will matter on Judgment Day (John 12:48). Remember to read our next post as we will discuss the very important but highly misunderstood step of belief.

You can also watch this video that discusses more about the Plan of Salvation in detail: https://thegospelofchrist-tgoc.subspla.sh/wcnmxp2

Be Not Anxious - Amy Lawrence

Women’s Studies Amy Lawrence July 8, 2023

Be Not Anxious

A Study On Conquering Worry

If one were to look at the statistics, it is a truth that women are more prone to worry and anxiety than men. Psychological studies show that this can be attributed to several factors; each gender’s social differences, hormones, size and strength, even sense of morality. It is agreed throughout the medical community that women, due to their worry, are better at staying alive than men - however, we are also more commonly diagnosed with anxiety disorders than men. The Holy Spirit commanded through the apostle Paul that we “be anxious in nothing”, Phil. 4:6. If we as women are both physically and psychologically disposed to worry, how can we keep this command? Let’s find out what God’s word has to say about the matter. If anyone can answer this question, it is our Creator.

The first step to finding the cure for worry is to find the cause. There are as many answers of what worries us as there are branches of a tree, but the root cause is the same for all: fear. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. There are two ends to the spectrum of fear. One is a respectful fear, the other disrespectful. Respectful fear can save one’s life. One of my favorite things to do is horseback riding. I love it, but I equally have a respect for the possibilities if I am not careful. In this, fear is bothnecessary and built upon good sense. Throughout the book of Proverbs, there is a foundation upon which such knowledge, understanding, and wisdom stand. Without this foundation, these three fail. What foundation is of such strength as to hold up the weight of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? Fear of the Lord. (Pr. 1:7,29; 2:5; 8:13; 9:10; 10:27; 14:26-27; 15:16,33; 16:6; 19:23; 22:4; 23:7)

Our respect of God’s commandments and promises, both the pleasing ones and the difficult ones, are at the heart of a fear of the Lord. It requires an understanding of the might and wisdom of God and a trust in His power, Pr. 3:5-6, Rom. 1:20. Solomon wrote, “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Pr. 31:30) Fear has its place. There are things for which we should always have a respectful fear, Heb. 10:31. “Concern” is also a synonym we use for this type of emotion. Paul had “concern” for the churches, 2 Cor. 11:28, a healthy care for the well- being of the fellow Christians Paul knew and loved. There are also, however, dangers in being on the wrong end of fear. The most chronic worry I face on a daily basis is that for my child. I’ve learned in my motherhood over the last 14 years that sometimes I allow this fear to be a disrespectful fear. Therein is the danger. This end of the ‘fear spectrum’ does not take into consideration all the things I cannot control. It is also a selfish fear. This fear believes that it can control everything and exhausts all energy into attempting to do so. This fear forgets to trust God. It forgets that if we do things God’s way, it all turns out the way it should in the end, Rom. 8:28. It provokes us to seek our own will over God’s and is the first of a long list of vices that will keep us out of Heaven, Rev. 21:8. The original Greek word for fearful (NKJV - cowardly) in this verse is δειλός (deilos). It means “faithless”. We seek our own will because we lack faith in God’s will, in doing things God’s way.

Now for the cure. As a person who has struggled with anxiety for the better part of 23 years, I have tried several different methods to battling it. I am not a medical professional and will therefore not advise on what method anyone should use. I can, however, share the recipe that works for me. My anxiety is controlled with prayer, Bible study, chiropractic care, exercise, nutrition, meditation, and medication. When used properly, these are blessings from God, James 1:17. Scripture is by far my favorite and the best method of meditation, Ps. 1:1-2. It allows me to rest my mind by reminding me Who to trust, Ps. 146, because He is in control, Acts 17:27-28, Rom. 11:36.

I suffered a brain injury when I was 19, and one of the results of that injury was chronic anxiety. At the heart of that issue was sensory overload, especially in social situations. My brain tries to pay attention to everything, all the time. Sorting through what is relevant and what is not is even more of a nightmare, one that takes time and effort and is often confused as me withdrawing into my own mind. I am frequently accused of not paying attention when in fact I am paying attention, my brain is just busy making sure whether or not all the input coming into it is relevant. It is overwhelming and stressful. It has taken many years and many trials and errors to learn how to maintain peace in my own mind. I have good days and bad days just like anyone. When I study scripture, I still have an abundant amount of information coming into my head, but instead of being a torrential thunderstorm, it flows as a calm river - because it is all connected. It is all relevant. It teaches that in God is peace, the cure for anxiety, Phil. 4:6-7, if I keep my mind on God, vss. 8-9, Rom. 8:6. Spiritual peace can also become physical peace. I study my Bible daily because that is the most peaceful place in the world. It teaches us how and where to find comfort and help when needed, Heb. 4:16.

I pray daily because there is no therapist in the world like God. He listens, 1 Jn. 5:14, and He cares, 1 Pet. 5:7. But how can we do these things on such a busy schedule, Amy? One of the most precious sacrifices one can make for God is time, because it is something that we will never get back. It is something that cannot be accumulated. I am a firm believer that if you are too busy for God, you are too busy. There is a portion of every day that I set aside for God and only God. This is how I keep my sanity. I look forward every day to conversing with God through prayer and scripture. If you want this peace of which I speak, if you find anxiety to be your struggle, let’s have a Bible study together. I will be more than happy to share with you the peace I’ve found.

"Decisions, Decisions..." - Joey Ferrell

A very dear friend of mine, wonderful preacher, licensed therapist, and brother in Christ, Lonnie Jones used a statement some years ago in a lesson designed to reach younger souls that has stuck with me ever since…and I think it is just as valuable to us “older” folks as well and maybe you will agree. Here is the phrase:

You must decide which you want…is it what you want most, or what you want right now.

If that doesn’t make you stop and think for a few minutes, I am not sure you read it. Look at it again! Lonnie told me that it was seen on a poster and attributed to Abraham Lincoln.

---

Every one of us has to make a decision about our lives nearly every minute of every single day. Satan’s hand is in the midst of every one of these decisions and we have to decide where we must fall within this range of the question.

Think about some of our iconic studies of some who have been faced with those similar challenges in their lives:

• Adam and Eve - charged with the first sin…why? They chose what they wanted right now over what they wanted most.

• Lot - He survived the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra because he chose what he wanted most, unfortunately, his wife chose what she wanted right now (looking back to see the loss of her friends and her own family.

• Joseph - He walked away from a sinful situation he was faced with in the story of Potiphar’s wife. He could have yielded very easily to temptation. The opportunity was very similar to what we may see today in a world filled with temptation regarding sexual sin and immorality…but he chose wisely…he chose what he wanted most.

• Judas - We all know that he chose what he wanted right now…when he had what he wanted most sitting right beside him at the very table that he was dining at the Last Supper.

There are many other stories in the Bible that we could look at with this “turn signal” of events. Some were stories that we can celebrate, and the others we mourn over and grieve those decisions.

What about you and I? Have we decided what we want right now or what we want most? It can be a tough question at times and it certainly appears at every juncture in our lives. I like the way that the English Standard Version renders 1 Corinthians 10:13 regarding our help in these times. Take a look at how that reads:

The only temptation that has come to you is that which everyone has. But you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand. 1 Cor 10:13, ESV

You see, we each one have a conscience that can be seared when we make the wrong decision, but we also each one have a way of escape. Some may say that it is not as easy as it sounds…and for the ones who may not have a hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus, they cannot understand the power of this verse. After all, Hebrews 4:15 tells us that even our Lord suffered the temptations of this life…not faltering!

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:15 NKJV

If you will recall, He was tempted in all counts in the events of Matthew 4. The devil put forth the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life temptations. Honestly, any sin we commit today falls within those definitions as well.

So, what do we do? Be strong. Study and put the word of God in your heart. Know that you will not escape temptation, but God will give you a way to move beyond that in your decision of:

What you want most…or what you want right now!

Visit Lonnie’s podcast at “Keeping up with the Jones: The Lonnie Jones Podcast Adventure” on all platforms.

"Proverbs Topical Study: The Tongue" - Ben Bailey

Proverbs Topical Study: The Tongue

“Death & Life Are in the Power of the Tongue” (Prov. 18:21). “Watch your words & Hold Your Tongue; You’ll save yourself a lot of grief” (Prov. 21:23, The Message Paraphrase)

1. God hates a tongue that is used for deceptive purposes.

• Proverbs 6:16-17 These six things the LORD hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, (Proverbs 6:16-17)

2. Giving heed to the flattering tongue will lead to your demise.

• Proverbs 6:24 To keep you from the evil woman, From the flattering tongue of a seductress.

3. Christians should use their tongue to speak the truth.

• Proverbs 8:7 For my mouth will speak truth; Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

4. The righteous man should be careful of the number of words he speaks.

• Proverbs 10:19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.

5. The righteous man’s tongue should be a valuable possession.

• Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; The heart of the wicked is worth little.

6. Using the tongue to spread gossip is not what God wants.

• A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter. (Proverbs 11:13)

7. A man who is perverse in his heart will have his voice silenced.

• Proverbs 10:31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.

8. A wise man’s tongue should be like medicine.

• Proverbs 12:18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise promotes health.

9. A man who has a lying tongue won’t last in what he does.

• Proverbs 12:19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment.

10. Part of having a wise tongue is knowing how to use your knowledge correctly.

• Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.

11. A godly tongue is like a tree of life.

• Proverbs 15:4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, But perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

12. The only way to speak the right answer is by seeking God’s will.

• Proverbs 16:1 The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Prov. 16:1 “We may make our plans, but God has the last word.” (TEV).

13. Ungodly people are quick to listen to a venomous tongue.

• Proverbs 17:4 An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

14. A man who cannot control his tongue will be surrounded by evil.

• Proverbs 17:20 A man of crooked heart does not discover good, and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.

15. The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me” is just not true.

• Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

16. Making success with a lying tongue will not last.

• Proverbs 21:6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.

17. Man would do better if he wore a tongue guard.

• Proverbs 21:23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.

18. Gentle speech has great power.

• Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

19. A gossiping tongue is always going to breed anger in others.

• Proverbs 25:15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.

20. The tongue is the weapon of choice many people use to destroy their adversaries.

• Proverbs 26:28 A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin.

21. Flattery doesn’t make friends; being plain-spoken and truthful will.

• Proverbs 28:23 He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward Than he who flatters with the tongue.

22. Kindness should be on the godly person's tongue.

• Proverbs 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

Miracles - A Study of the Supernatural - Amy Lawrence - Women's Studies

Women’s studies

Amy Lawrence

July 3, 2023

Miracles

A Study of The Supernatural

I stood on my front porch one evening during a thunderstorm and watched bolts of lightning, one after the other, strike at random. Just as I decided to go back inside, a bolt struck so close to my house that it nearly knocked me back, blinding me with light. I immediately thought to myself, “It’s a miracle that didn’t hit something!!!” I didn’t think anything of it until I saw a video on Facebook of a bolt of lightning striking a tree and causing it to explode. The tree stood by itself in an open field. I thought, “It’s a miracle that bolt of lightning hit the only tree in that field!” That’s when I decided to put Google to the test and see if I could learn something about lightning. As it turned out, everything I saw was absolutely natural and explainable by natural laws. That led to my investigation into miracles.

The first step to understanding the miraculous is to understand its source. When one does not have a healthy knowledge of God from the standard He has provided (scripture), then one cannot properly see the supernatural and how it is used in God’s dealings with mankind. Some dedicate themselves to learning and come to a knowledge of the truth through patience and understanding. This is a hurdle that the majority of people refuse to jump. They want to skip ahead and get to the part where the Almighty, Supernatural Being they know little about will grant them whatever they ask - whether it be proof by a sign (Mt. 12:38), deliverance (Mt. 27:42), or fulfillment of selfish desires (James 4:3). If the first step hasn’t been taken, your study into the miraculous needs to begin in a study of the Godhead. Once one understands the Godhead - three Beings completely united, each with their own responsibilities concerning mankind - one has the foundation upon which an understanding of the miraculous can stand. If one does not

understand this fundamental necessity, one cannot come to an accurate knowledge of the miraculous and therefore cannot know what a miracle is - and what it isn’t.

We all suffer the human condition; we limit our view within a box of what we can understand with our own senses and our own perception. Sometimes this is curable. Most times it is of epidemic proportions. It all depends upon the mind and how well-trained it is to see truth, Heb. 5:14.

The definition of miraculous, as described in scripture, is “an event in the external world brought about by the immediate agency or the simple volition of God, operating without the use of means capable of being discerned by the senses, and designed to authenticate the divine commission of a religious teacher and the truth of his message. It is an occurrence at once above nature and above man. It shows the intervention of a power that is not limited by the laws either of matter or of mind, a power interrupting the fixed laws which govern their movements, a supernatural power.” (Easton’s Bible Dictionary) Many use the term “miracle” in the English language in a much broader sense than it is depicted in scripture. English speakers use this word to express amazement, awe, or to explain happenings we struggle to explain only by what we see on the surface. We often call the birth of a child or the spring season miraculous, but it doesn’t meet the criteria given by scripture of what constitutes a miracle. (Even the birth of Jesus of Nazareth was a natural birth, Lk. 2:6. It was His conception that was miraculous, Is. 7:14.) So this begs the question: we call so many things “miracles”…but are they? The only way to answer this question is to compare what we call miraculous today with what the Holy Spirit called miraculous in scripture.

The word “miracle” was Anglicized from the Latin words “mirus”, “mirari”, and “miraculum”, (“wonderful”, “to wonder”, “object of wonder”). The miraculous in scripture is not described in this singular sense. It is a multi-faceted concept. The original context of scripture uses “sign”, “work”, “mighty work”, and “wonder” as descriptive words of the varying aspects of the miraculous, each with it’s own properties. Let’s look at each one.

“Sign”

Old Testament: תוֹא - ‘ot

New Testement: σημεῖον - semeion

“Sign” is used both as an object or daily activity that has been acted upon by supernatural means to direct the audience toward God. The ten plagues of Egypt were signs, Ex. 10:1, Neh. 9:10. God gave Moses two signs to prove he was the messenger of God, Ex. 4:1-9, and one to Isaiah to prove that his message to Hezekiah was from God, 2 Kings 20:8-11. Jesus Himself was a sign, Lk. 2:12.

“Wonder”

Old Testament: תֵפוֹמ - mopheth

New Testament: τέρας - teras (from which we get our English word “terror”)

This word is often coupled with “sign”, Ex. 7:3, Deut. 13:1-2, Jn. 4:48, Heb. 2:4. It is defined as a special manifestation of God’s power as a supernatural activity and as something unusual that causes the beholder to marvel. As “sign” relates to the understanding, “wonder” relates to the imagination. “Signs and wonders” are used both in reference to God’s activity (Acts 7:36) as well as the work of Satan through human instruments (Mt. 24:24).

“Work”

Old Testament: הֶשֲׂעַמ - ma’aseh New Testament: ἔργον - ergon

This means exactly what it appears - any deed, action, duty, office, or charge of business. When used in reference to God’s works, it is something done outside of physical laws as proof of God and therefore miraculous, Josh. 24:31, Jn. 10:22-42.

“Mighty work”

Old Testament: הרָוּבְגּ - gbuwrah New Testament: δύναμις - dynamis

“Might” and “power” are the common translated words used through the Old and New Testaments for this aspect of the miraculous. The strength of God is unmistakeable. One cannot take something natural and confuse it with the might God puts into the miraculous, into the evidence that supersedes the natural, Deut. 3:24, Mark 6:2. If it is natural, it is therefore by default not miraculous.

Now that we’ve covered “what” a miracle is, it’s time to talk about “why”. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty right away. No human being living today has ever seen a bonafide miracle. Yes,

that’s a bold statement and one that is printed in full confidence of its truth. Let me point out three very important pillars of this truth.

#1: Miracles were not vague. In Acts 4, there is a debate among the rulers of the Jews concerning what they should do about Peter and John teaching Christ. The Jews’ attempts at stopping the teachings of Christ were being thwarted by what scripture called a “notable miracle” (γνωστὸν σημεῖον - gnoston semeion, “known sign”) that was seen by all who lived in Jerusalem, vs. 16. You will also see in that same verse that the miracle was undeniable, even by the men that “could say nothing against it”, vss. 13-14. No matter how badly they wanted to deny that it was indeed a miracle done by Peter and John in the name of Jesus, they couldn’t!

#2: Miracles had a purpose. John 11 records the death of Jesus’ close friend, Lazarus. Jesus did something in this chapter that his apostles found odd; he purposely let Lazarus die. Jesus loved this family dearly, vss. 3,5. So why, having the power to heal Lazarus of his sickness, would the Lord let his friend die? The answer is found in verses 4, 14-15, and 40. The purpose of miracles was to confirm the message of Christ, Heb. 2:1-4, Jn. 20:30-31.

#3: Miracles had a time limit. There is a lot to be said concerning this pillar, so please bear with me. I will be as succinct as possible.

Miracles were like postage stamps. They were necessary to deliver a message. Once that message was delivered, the delivery system was no longer necessary. The envelope and stamp could be discarded. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians draws this out in 1 Corinthians chapters 12 and 13:

-The delivery system-

1 Corinthians 12 gives the list of nine miraculous categories and how unity is required in order to use them properly. Each miraculous category was a part of the whole. No category on its own accomplished complete delivery of the message. In order for the message to be both delivered and understood, the cooperation of all nine categories was required. Having this nugget of knowledge will make understanding 1 Cor. 13:9-10 a little easier. “In part” refers to each individual category. “Perfect” (this word means “whole” or “complete”) can refer to both the cooperation of all nine miraculous categories and complete delivery of the entire message.

-The delivered message-

1 Corinthians 13 is commonly known as the chapter of love (the glue required for successful unity), but what many do not know is that this chapter also gives the expiration date of miracles.

Verse 8 tells us that miraculous prophecies will fail, miraculous speaking in tongues will cease, and miraculous knowledge will vanish away. When? “When that which is perfect has come”, vs.

10. The message will be completely delivered, Jude 3, and the miracles that confirmed the message will no longer be necessary. One must also understand that miraculous gifts could only be imparted to another through the laying on of an apostle’s hands, Acts 8:14-18, 2 Tim. 1:6. Once death claimed all of the apostles, there was no more imparting of spiritual gifts. Once death claimed all upon whom these spiritual gifts had already been imparted, there were no more spiritual gifts…which is why, through the grace and providence of God, they recorded these truths in the written word, Jn. 20:30-31, Rom. 15:4, 2 Tim. 3:16-17.

So…if God is capable of miraculously forcing everyone on the planet to know who He is and what He can do (Rom. 14:11-12), then why use something that seems prosaic to our human eyes to persuade us of the Truth? Why does He need to persuade us of anything He can simply force us to know? The answer is LOVE. Anyone who understands love knows that it is something that cannot be forced. God does not want what we are unwilling to give, Ex. 25:1-2. What He wants from us is our complete and undivided attention, Mt. 22:37, the kind of attention that can see Him without needing miracles, Jn. 20:29.

There will always be those that refuse to be convinced no matter how much evidence is presented. Judas was such a person. He was one of the Twelve, Mt. 26:47. He not only saw miracles, but performed miracles in the name of Christ, Mk. 6:7-13. Neither the message nor the Messenger could convince him. When the rich man begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers, Abraham’s answer rang all too true to this fact, Lk. 16:27-31.

The miracles in scripture were simply the bell that brought attention to the message Christ spoke and the signature of God that was attached. The Message has plenty of attention now.

According to Guinness World Records, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. In the 21st century, Bibles are printed at a rate of about 80 million per year. If you want to know the message that was formerly confirmed by signs, wonders, and mighty works, then pick up a copy of the Holy Scriptures and read. All the evidence you will need to see God is there in black and white and red, 1 Jn. 1:1-4.

"Where two or three are gathered...." - Joey Ferrell

Oftentimes, we hear this particular statement relating to assembling to worship together. Unfortunately, it has also been used to alleviate the idea that we need to worship TOGETHER as a group of like-minded individuals as the church. So…was Jesus wrong in stating this? Well, we must look at the context of the verse to see why it really doesn’t mean what some may think that it means! Study along…

““Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector. “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.””

(Matthew 18:15–20)

The context of the passage can be seen by backing up a few verses…as well as moving forward a few verses. Now don’t get me wrong…I am not stating that the idea that Jesus is not in the midst of us when we gather together with 2, 3, or 900 is not accurate. But, what I am saying is that sometimes, our society has used this verse to say that they can go to the lake on Sunday with their family to worship together, or substitute worship with a live-stream in the comforts of their own home instead of attending with the saints if unhindered in as such to keep them from being able to attend together. This is definitely NOT what Jesus is referring to here, as you can see.

In the Old Testament, any “charge” of wrong doing required two or three witnesses that agreed. (Deuteronomy 17; c.f 2 Corinthians 13:1). This was to ensure that the truth was told and that no false accusations would be made that resulted in punishment undeserved.

It is interesting that Jesus would use this in the form of discipline, as He has in Matthew 18, considering that when He is under trial in the days of the crucifixion, they were not able to establish the witness that was needed; yet, He still was wrongly accused and sentenced.

Matthew 18 is a prime example of how sometimes we can misunderstand scripture and we really need to establish the context prior to being “set” on a meaning. “Where two or three are gathered” lends more to the idea of discipline…than to assembly.

With these things said, the crux of this article is to encourage us all to remember what is said in Hebrews 10:24-25 specifically. We are told by the Hebrew writer that we should not forsake the assembly. What does that mean? Purposely missing an assembly would be forsaking. Not health reasons, not impairments that are otherwise impending travel, and so on, but purposed missing - “I don’t feel like going today; We have to go to a ballgame; We are on vacation…”. The list could go on.
To understand more about WHY this is important, make sure to keep the context of Hebrews 10:19-25 in mind. Jesus is the new Veil, He is the new and living way to enter “the temple,” He has sacrificed His blood so that we might be able to meet together…and finally, for the sake that is mentioned in verse 24…to lift one another up together!

Maybe some of us have lost sight of the importance of assembling together. Maybe we need to do more self-study into why we feel that it is okay to miss the assembly, or to watch on a computer screen/phone/tv when we are not hindered from attending in the body. Maybe we can all look at the context of Matthew 18 a little differently and realize how important it is to not only find the context, but also…another article would be needed, but to understand the concept of correction?

Let us think on these things, edify one another, praise God in the highest, and love Jesus like He loves us!

Joey

"Slow to Anger" - Ben Bailey

A while back I did a topical study of the Book of Proverbs that I thought was a very helpful way to study this Book. Here is the first lesson in that series on Anger.

Proverbs Topical Study: Anger

1. Uncontrolled anger is one of the ways you can identify a fool from a wise man.

A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent man covers shame. Proverbs 12:16

2. Foolish & hated will be the reputation of a man who cannot control his anger.

A quick-tempered man acts foolishly, And a man of wicked intentions is hated. Proverbs 14:17

3. A man who can control his anger is deemed as having “great understanding”.

He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly. Proverbs 14:29

4. Our words/responses can affect the course of someone’s anger for better or for worse.

A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

5. Where there are people with anger problems there will always be fights.

A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger quiets contention. Proverbs 15:18

6. Real strength is found in the ability to control one’s anger/emotions.

He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, And he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. Proverbs 16:32

7. Responsibility in judgment causes a wise man to be slow to anger.

The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory is to overlook a transgression. Proverbs 19:11

8. Trying to save a man with anger problems is like throwing gas on a raging fire.

A man of great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue him, you will have to do it again. Proverbs 19:19

9. Give an angry man a gift and it will pacify him/An angry man is moved from one extreme of emotion to another by trifle gifts.

A gift in secret averts anger, and a concealed bribe, strong wrath. Proverbs 21:14

10. A barren life of poverty would be far better than a life lived with an angry person.

Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman. Proverbs 21:19

11. If rage or anger is the driving force behind a man it will bring utter calamity to his life.

Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of his fury will fail. Proverbs 22:8

12. Don’t make friends of angry people or they will catch you in their trap.

Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare. Proverbs 22:24-25

13. Backbiting and malicious speech causes anger in the hearts of others.

The north wind brings forth rain, And backbiting tongue an angry countenance. Proverbs 25:23

14. Anger is too heavy of a burden to bear; therefore, you have to let it go.

A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. Proverbs 27:3

15. A life controlled by anger is a cruel and overwhelming life.

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Proverbs 27:4

16. The scoffer’s life is set aflame by anger and wrath; it is the burning force behind his actions.

Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath. Proverbs 29:8

17. Strife and sin are the end result of a life controlled by anger.

An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. Proverbs 29:22

18. Pressing anger will always cause discord in one’s life and relationships.

For pressing milk produces curds, pressing the nose produces blood, and pressing anger produces strife. Proverbs 30:33

"The Kind of Preaching You Should Expect" - Jameson Steward

The Kind of Preaching You Should Expect

Those who preach the gospel of Christ don’t get to decide what kind of preaching is acceptable. As the apostle Paul’s life was nearing the end, he gave Timothy instructions that guide us on what kind of preaching we should expect from those who proclaim God’s Word. 

Complete Preaching (2 Timothy 3:14-17). 

Writing by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul reminded Timothy that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” You should expect preaching that proclaims all the words of God – the Old and New Testaments (Romans 15:4). This kind of preaching is “profitable” to us and thoroughly prepares us for every good work in the Lord. Preachers and teachers are to proclaim the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).  

Serious Preaching (2 Timothy 4:1). 

You should expect the preacher and teacher to approach the proclaiming of God’s word respectfully and thoughtfully. This doesn’t mean the preacher can never tell a joke or crack a smile. However, he should approach the preaching of God’s word seriously. Not only is there a lot riding on the proclaiming of God’s word for the hearers – a lot is riding on the proclaimer! Paul solemnly charged Timothy “before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom.” Because the message proclaimed is God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16), preaching that word must be taken seriously. Those who fail to do so will stand before the Judge of all the earth and answer (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

Balanced Preaching (2 Timothy 4:2). 

Preaching the word of God must be done “in season and out of season,” – meaning you should expect the gospel preacher to proclaim God’s word without first “testing the winds” to see if that message will be popular. This kind of preaching convinces (convicts), rebukes (admonishes strongly), and exhorts (urges into action) “with all longsuffering and teaching.” Balanced preaching points out the wrong path, shows how to return to the right path, and does so in a “longsuffering” or patient way. 

Healthy Preaching (2 Timothy 4:3-4). 

You should expect those who proclaim God’s word to proclaim “sound” (healthy, accurate, trustworthy) teaching. While some gather up teachers who proclaim what they want to hear, the preaching you must demand and expect is preaching that remains true to God’s word (2 Timothy 3:16). Those who proclaim God’s word must put forth great effort into “rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). 

This kind of preaching will benefit us as God’s people. We should expect to hear complete, serious, balanced, and healthy teaching from God’s word every time we open His word together. 

Jameson Steward

"Why didn't they offer us a bible study?" - Anonymous

****Editor’s note: This story was used with permission by the author, and is shared for the benefit of opening the eyes of some of our own shortcomings in evangelism and reaching the lost. The article is being published in its entirety without any edits as requested by the family that shared it with us. Their names are not included, neither are the congregations in which they visited. This is just a raw story to help encourage us all to be the best we can.

As an aside, The Gospel of Christ would certainly encourage congregations and individuals to take a look at how this family felt that they were left behind by the church. Our prayer is for this family to continue loving the Lord and that we can all be an encouragement to others in what we see through the eyes of others.

---

Their journeys to the baptistry both began as young as 8 and 9 years old. You see both became denominational Christians at those ages. Their hearts were sincere with belief and they did exactly the steps they were told. Fast forward, they are married and continue following the traditions that they were raised in, the Southern Baptist Church. About 4 years ago they moved to a new area and decided to find a church that they could serve God in. In the past, they were always searching for the perfect one to fit their wants. This is when they felt their hearts changing and turning more towards God. They dove right in.  Both started teaching Sunday school classes and volunteering at the local mission house in the community. It felt good to be serving others for the Lord.  The husband was teaching an adult class and the wife the Elementary grades.  They began learning specific things about obedience and the importance of baptism, but they still did not understand it all quite yet. The leadership in the church got noticeably unsound so with heavy hearts they left after 3 years. Amid that they had their second daughter. What joy this brought their lives, but this made it more of an urgent matter for them.  They wanted to lead their family correctly according to His Word.  The husband started searching churches with the oldest daughter while the wife was at home recouping with the newborn. He was more mindful to check the scripture against what the preacher was teaching, and quickly was seeing error.   They went to a few different non-denominational churches and ended up back into a comfort zone of the Baptist congregations again, but this next one was considered Independent. After several weeks they noticed Calvinistic beliefs coming out.  They were familiar with Calvinism and knew from studying that specifically it was contradicting to God’s Word so they left. At this point they are tired and weary.  They just wanted to find a church home and family.  Their love for God was growing as they continued in personal studies and prayer.

 You need to know that they had been around Christians their entire lives.  Growing up in West TN and spending their adult lives in Middle TN, but none of them looked or acted any different from any other denominational Christian.  Their view on the Church of Christ was just another Denomination.  Hearing terrible things of the Church.  For instance, it was a cult, baptism being overly emphasized, and they were the only ones going to heaven. Praying and studying the husband felt a shift and threw out the idea of trying the churches of Christ.  They were very nervous and uncomfortable with that.  By trusting in God, taking deep breaths, and praying they visited their first Church of Christ. It was different, but familiar with the Baptist church minus the instrumental music and observation of the Lord’s supper.  They felt very uncomfortable but continued to go and share with this congregation that they had left the Baptist church and were wanting to follow sound doctrine. They were searching for the truth but didn’t realize what that meant at the time. They felt they were hearing the truth there.  Some people were friendly but most not so friendly.  The wife felt judgement quickly to attend on Wednesday even if it was a baby’s bedtime.   They did not understand at this point faithful attendance.   They hadn’t even obeyed the gospel yet!  They really stepped out of their comfort zone when they accepted an informal lunch invitation at a congregant’s home with two other couples. The husband was candid about what they were going through and were searching for a sound church that preached sound doctrine. There was even a convert from a Baptist church there!  He shared his tension filled story of how his parents and him do not get along because of his conversion. That was intense and they still had no clue exactly why there would have been such a line drawn.  They met deacons and elders and the preacher, and no one offered a bible study. Not one. Because that church seemed unfriendly, they decided to try a neighbor’s church. It was Church of Christ too, but not until later did they realize this was what is called and (Non-institutional). The friendliness factor was there.  They enjoyed the preaching and the people. It did not take long to meet with the two elders and get serious about becoming members there. Still no bible study offered.  They began to study more on Baptism specifically because the elders asked them a question, “were you baptized for the remission of sins?” See to join this church you had to have been baptized for the remission of sins. They thought and thought, and both decided, yes. Why would we get baptized for any other reason?  Still studying, the Lord was helping them put pieces together.  They were still under the belief that we were saved before baptism, but that it was step of obedience after your salvation belief. The eldership never asked any other specific questions to help them.  It was like, if you say yes, then sure you can join up with us.  

Now the wheels were spinning and hearts were opening so they studied even harder. Scripture after scripture they found on how baptism signifies the death, burial and resurrection, and how it’s the antitype that saves us, and flat out plain as day Mark 16:16.  They realized that it is not about just one step, it is about all of them together. The gospel is perfectly put together and easy to see when you simply read and study the texts with a sincere open heart.  

Their driving force was from a sincere love for The Heavenly Father. They ended up listening to a Baptist converts podcast one night getting ready for bed. That evening a lightbulb went off simultaneously for them. Not all of what they were taught growing up was false, but that they were led falsely with the gospel. You see, they are products of you cannot be taught wrong and obey right. They wanted to become members of this church but did not realize they needed to be added to the Lord’s church. The thought of their families hindered their baptisms that night. The next day after those conversations occurred nothing was stopping them from obeying the gospel!  Their families were confused but somewhat supportive. They grew so much through continued personal studies and great GBN resources that they found on their own being broadcast locally on TV.  They were on fire to share the gospel, but no one else was. The more verbal they got to encourage biblical things the more they felt that friendliness leave. It became an intolerable environment to worship. The more they learned about God’s Word and His Church they realized error quickly. Remember that vague question they asked them concerning the reason for their past baptism? There were at least two people in that church who had not obeyed the gospel but were accepted members. It broke their hearts for them to be led so incorrectly.   They attempted talking to one lady by sharing their conversion story with her. She had been convinced she was fine because of elderships vague leadership and acceptance. There were other big issues, and they took these matters to eldership, too. They were aware, but the elders had let the leaven grow so much that it would be too hard to get it out now. They had to leave. Discouraged and sad all they had was God’s Word and programs on GBN that kept them encouraged and striving to share the Good News!! Their zeal had not wavered, and they continued attending other congregations. They seemed to find one that the preaching was sound, and the appeal of several young families was promising. Their loneliness and eagerness to be a part of a family of God made them identify quickly. 

Fast forward to today.  They yet again had to remove themselves from a congregation over unsound leadership arising in this case in an absence of an eldership.   

Questions that flood their minds- Why do we feel like our transformation is not understood by many?  Weren’t we all outside of Christ and converted by the gospel?  Why does it feel the churches of Christ are attempting to convert us to their denomination away from the 1st century standards of the New Testament Church?  Why are brethren more interested in clinging to their own man-made traditions while they point fingers at how the denominational world is wrong?  Why is there an arrogance and pridefulness towards the lost?  Why are members of The Church unwilling to share the good news of the Gospel with all they encounter?  How can we be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear 1 Peter 3:15 when we have lost people every Sunday sit next to us in our pews and we pretend they aren’t lost?  When did Matthew 28:19-20 become an option for a Christian and not a command?  When did offering a simple bible study become the furthest thing from a Christian’s mind? 

"Prophecy as proof of inspiration" - Ben Bailey

Prophecy As Proof of Inspiration

In our world, the Bible is often laughed at, mocked, and ridiculed. In our schools, children are taught that evolution is correct and Genesis 1:1 is only a myth. Even among many preachers, the validity and authenticity of the Bible is in doubt. However, the Bible claims that it is fully inspired. Paul said, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Tim. 3:16). Peter also said, “No prophecy is of any private interpretation…but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Pet. 1:20-21). If a man says the Bible is not inspired, and God says it is, whom shall we believe? Can we trust the Bible? Can we prove that it is inspired? We must be able to prove the Bible is inspired to please God and to answer the critics (1 Thes. 5:21). I want to share with you one way we can know the Word of God is absolutely inspired.

Prophecy is undeniable proof the Word of God is Inspired. Prophecy is properly defined as the ability to predict a future event with exacting accuracy and minute detail so as to necessarily require divine guidance. The Bible is full of this kind of prophecy. Notice a few of these. (1). Jeremiah predicted that God’s people would go into a 70-year period of captivity by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar (Jer. 25:9-12, 29:10-11). This was fulfilled completely and is recorded in history and the Bible (2 Chron. 36:20-21). How did Jeremiah know who would do this and for how long it would be? The only answer is God told him. (2). Isaiah predicted that a virgin would give birth to a son and His name would be called Immanuel (Isa. 7:14). This prophecy was spoken 750 years before Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Immanuel (Matt. 1:21-23). But how was Isaiah able to look 750 years into the future and predict not only an event but an event that had never happened before? Because God told him this would happen. (3). The Psalmist predicted the Lord’s death with exacting detail. In Pslam 22, he predicted that He would be mocked (Ps. 22:6-8), his hands and feet would be pierced (Ps. 22:16), his clothes would be divided (Ps. 22:18), and he would become very thirsty (Ps. 22:15). As you read the gospel accounts of Jesus’ crucifixion, all of these events in Psalm 22 are recorded as happening. Again, how could the Psalmist have known 1000 years before the cross that Jesus would die this way? How could he tell such minute things as Jesus' hands and feet being pierced and His clothes being divided? The only logical answer is that God inspired him to say those things. Likewise, God inspired the New Testament writers to say exactly what He wanted to say. Truly, the Bible is God’s word. The Psalmist expressed it so beautifully when he said, “The entirety of Your word is truth” (Ps. 119:160). Let’s believe that the Bible is God’s word and that its message applies to us today.

A Shield About Me: A Study on Christian Joy - Amy Lawrence

Suffering is a frequently introduced topic by those that argue God does not exist. It is presented as an infallible proof that no loving God would allow His creation to suffer. Although there is ample evidence that God does truly exist, I will not be using this article to present said evidence. (There are many literary works that do present the evidence of God’s existence, the main being of course scripture.) I want this article to present the reasons why we as Christians follow Christ, even through suffering.

I would first like to set a foundation. Any structure needs a strong foundation or it will not stand. The concrete we will be working with is the mind. The human mind is a frequent subject in scripture. It is the birthplace of decision that leads to action and is presented in scripture as a battlefield between good and evil, Rom. 7:23. It is the seat of emotions and the internal place where everything external is perceived. The health of the mind determines how that external is processed and what kind of person it produces. According to scripture, a healthy mind is capable of seeing things for what they are or aren’t, discerning properly between what is good and what is evil according to scripture, and matching their person to the pattern of good, Ecc. 2:26, Heb. 5:14. Here and only here is where joy can begin.

So…what is joy? ‘Joy’ is a noun, a thing. The verb of joy is ‘rejoice’ - the action that is produced from the thing. But how can joy be a thing? It has no mass, no structure, no weight. It is not constrained by time, space, or matter…but we’ve all seen it and felt it. I could define it using a massive Oxford English Dictionary, but that is the definition by the world’s standards. How does the Bible describe joy? For the Christian, joy is a fruit. One of nine, to be exact, Gal. 5:22. I call it the Spirit’s Fruit Basket. Anyone who eats these spiritual fruits on a daily basis can enjoy the nutritional value they offer; freedom from sin, Gal. 5:1. Here’s the thing, though…you can’t have just joy. There are eight other fruits. If you want joy, you must also have love, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. These are all things that start in the brain and manifest themselves in behavior, giving us the tools to defeat the Devil. Not all are interested in defeating Satan, though. This same chapter also gives the alternate, or as I like to call it, the recipe for Satan’s Selfish Soup, Gal. 5:19-21. Warning: each spoonful decreases any chance of getting into the Kingdom of God, the place where joy is found, vs. 21.

Joy has many superpowers, but one in particular makes it incredibly appealing to every Christian. Read James 1:2-3 and Matt. 5:11-12. Yes, you read it correctly: joy IN suffering. No, we are not happy to be suffering, but joy is not the same as happiness. Biblical joy is a contentment that can endure anything - ANYTHING - because we know what’s on the other side, Ps. 30:5, Jn. 16:21-22. So many confuse Christian joy with happiness, but let me tell you the difference; happiness is not nearly as strong as joy, because joy is tempered. It is a steel that is made only by fire. It cannot be bent, it cannot be broken, because it is forged in persecution and rests on the promises of God and our fellowship with each other, Phil. 1:1-7. Joy is also not something that comes and goes. If you have it, true joy holds its position. It is often accompanied by other emotions, but such emotions are either driven away by joy or are amplified by joy. Why wouldn’t anyone want that?

A great number of people seek this joy. Unfortunately, only few find it…because the majority is either looking for it in all the wrong places or cannot bring themselves to do the things required in order to have this joy. They seek happiness in worldly selfish ambitions, but they find over time that everything gained in this world can and will be taken away, Ecc. 5:9-16. Christians find the joy that cannot be taken away, Jn. 16:22, by walking the difficult path and living a life pleasing to God. Now, the question is, why? Why did I call joy a shield? Why do Christians deny ourselves in this life the things that the world calls good but God calls evil? Why does the world see us as wasting this life by disallowing ourselves to indulge in things that they are sure will bring anyone pleasure? Why do we choose suffering now? Christians follow God. If God says it is good for us or bad for us, we believe Him. We have been educated by God. In this, we know there are two paths and know what is at the end of both paths. One leads to an eternal life of nothing but good things, the other leads to an eternity of nothing but suffering. One is constructed by God, the other by Satan, Mt. 7:13-14. We choose suffering now because we know that we are on the right path and it leads to a place where suffering ends, Heb. 11:24-26. It’s a “no-brainer”, but I have had countless conversations with various people, even some of my own family and friends, about WHY. They hold on so tightly to this life that they can’t see the importance of preparing for the next life, Mt. 25:1-13. I’ve tried both paths. I have found the joy of which I speak, and it is a joy that I’ve never found in anything this world has to offer. I will not give it up. FOR ANYTHING. Have you ever had a joy this strong? I can say with certainty that if everything I love were taken from me right now, this very moment, I would have temporary sorrow but still eternal joy - a shield that protects everyone who stands behind it and knows its strength. It’s the joy worth sharing. I can’t share it with you if you don’t want it. It will not be forced upon you. Your mind has to make a decision, 1 Kings 18:21.

Does this mean I can’t invest in anything in this life? No! I invest in people! I want as many souls as I can reach to enjoy what I myself have found! I want them to start looking in the right places if they haven’t already. “How do you know what the right place is, Amy?” I’m standing in it, the place where I found it, along with all of my brothers and sisters in Christ. It is the church, the ark of salvation, Acts 2:47. Invest in the church. It is the only investment that yields a joy that cannot be taken from you.

"The Blood of Christ " - Ben Bailey

The Blood of Christ

The Holy Spirit says, “Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins” (Heb. 9:22). The Old Testament Levitical system was a very bloody system (Lev. 1-5). For every sin, there was a blood sacrifice to be offered (Lev. 4:1-12). Yet, the Scripture records that the blood of bulls and goats could never really take away sin (Heb. 10:3-4). How thankful we should be that Jesus was willing to shed His blood once for sin so that the sin problem would have a permanent solution (Heb. 10:12). Notice just how important the blood of Christ is to our salvation.

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper He said, “For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins” (Mt. 26:28). When Jesus was on the cross “…one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out” (Jn. 19:34). It was at this point in time a fountain was opened for cleansing of sin (Zech. 13:1). Without the shedding of Jesus’ blood, we would not have forgiveness (Rom. 6:1-4; Acts 2:38).

The Apostle Paul said, “In Him, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” (Eph. 1:7). Paul later wrote that we are brought near to God through the blood of Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:13). The word “redeem” literally means to “buy back.” Before Jesus shed His blood, we were enslaved to sin (Rom. 6:17-18). Jesus paid the ransom price to free us from sin. Paul said of Jesus’ sacrifice, “who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father” (Gal. 1:4). Only through the blood of Christ could we be bought back into a right relationship with God (Jn. 14:6).

Because of sin, the relationship between God and man had been severed (Isa. 59:1-2; Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 3:23). Yet, how wonderful it is to hear Paul tell the Colossian Christians that Jesus made “peace through the blood of His cross” (Col. 1:20). Through the blood of Christ, we can have the peace of God which surpasses all understanding (Phil. 4:6-8).

The Scriptures tell us that Jesus loves us and is willing to wash us from our sins in His own blood (Rev. 1:5). At what point do we contact the blood of Christ? When do we receive that washing of our sins in the blood of Jesus? We contact the blood of Christ in the watery grave of baptism (Rom. 6:1-4; Eph. 5:26; Heb. 10:22). Paul was told to “arise and be baptized and wash away your sins calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Since it is the blood of Christ that cleanses our sins, then we must conclude that baptism is the point at which we reach the blood of Christ (Acts 2:38; Mk. 16:16). Furthermore because we can lose the benefit of Jesus’ cleansing blood as a child of God (Heb. 10:24-26), we must continue to walk in the light as Jesus is in the light, and we must continue to confess our sins as His children so that the blood of Jesus can keep on cleansing us from all sin (1 John 1:7-9). Thank God for the precious blood of Jesus that not only makes us pure, white, and whole in God’s sight but maintains our purity in His sight so that one day we can “see God” for eternity (Isa. 1:18; Mt. 26:28; 5:8).

"A Study on Character Based Appearance" - Amy Lawrence

Modesty

A Study on Character-Based Appearance

There are so many methods that we use to communicate. Did you know that only 7% of human conversation uses words? 37% is in our tone of voice, but 55% of our communication is in our body language. That’s more than half ! How we sit or stand, how we use our hands or the expressions upon our faces - these all communicate to others, right down to even the clothes we wear. What many do not know is that there are outward behaviors that indicate inward ideals - and they show, whether we want them to or not.

Why is it important to understand how we communicate ourselves to others? Imagine with me a woman getting ready for an interview for a job. The interview is at 8:00am. She will be trying out for the position of sous chef at the finest restaurant in New Orleans. At 8:03am, into the restaurant walks a woman dressed in rags; filthy jeans with holes in the knees, a shirt 2 times too big with dirt stains in the shape of hands on the front, shoes that are caked in mud, and grime under every fingernail. Her hair is matted, covered in flecks of mud and debris, and she is nonchalantly chewing on the end of a straw. Everyone in the restaurant takes their turn staring at her as she saunters toward the kitchen. She passes the kitchen staff as she moves toward the head chef ’s office, sending a sideways grin and wink to every face she sees. She stops when she reaches the head chef, plucks the straw from her teeth, and announces that she is here to apply for the job of sous chef. The head chef waits for an explanation for what he sees. When he doesn’t receive one, he requests one. The woman gives him a nonplussed expression and shrugs her shoulders.

The head chef then turns somber, demanding in a heavy French accent that she leave immediately. She goes, but not before she bellows how much they are ignoring her talents simply because of her appearance and they are going to regret not hiring her. Now…why would this

scenario invoke such a reaction from each individual? And what does this have to do with modesty? It all begins and ends with respect.

When you study the Bible, you’ll see that there is a thread that stretches from Genesis to Revelation: respect God. (It is frequently worded as “fear of the LORD”. Ps. 34:11-16 instructs us in how to learn this respect.) One cannot be a successful child of God without respect for the sovereignty and authority that belongs only to God, Is. 40:21-31. Job uses “fear of the LORD” and “wisdom” synonymously in Job 28:12-28. One that has a healthy relationship of love and respect for God will obey His commandments, Jn. 14:21, and this falls within the definition of wisdom, Ps. 111:10. One of these commandments is that we love one another, Jn. 15:12. This love has to be the same love that Jesus gave us, vs. 13. It is a sacrificial love, Rom. 15:1-3, Phil. 2:3-4. In our love and respect toward one another, there will be times that sacrifice will be asked of us in order to maintain that love and respect. This is where our Christ-like behavior comes into play. Even though He was equal to God, Christ subjected Himself to God for the purpose of saving us to the point of being the sacrifice for us, Phil. 2:5-8. When we learn to have respect for God, this in turn teaches us to have respect for each other as His children.

Respect for fellow humans is incredibly important in any societal structure. The more a generation migrates toward a disregard for respecting one another, the more that society begins to degrade and destroy itself. I gave the scenario earlier to show two perspectives of the same situation. One side respected the other, one side did not. Can you figure out which was which? The head chef was on time to the interview, dressed in the proper attire and ready to begin work. In his respect for both those he works with and anyone interviewing for the position, he made it clear with his clothing and punctuality that he respected both them and the responsibility he’d been given to find a suitable sous chef. He portrayed this message in his appearance and his behavior, as did every other worker in the kitchen. We as Christians are commanded to be in subject to one another, 1 Pet. 5:5. We should have the checks and balances necessary in our relationships with fellow Christians to keep us on the straight and narrow path…but this only works when we respect one another. This means we put forth the effort to see and meet the needs of one another - things that we should both give and get - in love, Eph. 4:11-15. This is how we grow, vs. 13. Now, let’s tie this into modesty.

Modesty is defined as 1.) behavior, manner, or appearance intended to avoid impropriety or indecency, 2.) the quality or state of being unassuming or moderate in the estimation of one’s abilities, and 3.) moderate, limited, or small in amount, rate, or level.

There are unspoken rules that are understood by those within any community that determine whether something is proper or improper, decent or indecent. To illustrate, it would be improper for an employee of Sea World to show up for work carrying a fishing pole. It would be indecent for a man or woman to walk into Walmart without their pants. It is proper for anyone to clean up a mess they’ve made, it is decent to respect anyone’s personal space. Humility is also defined as an aspect of modesty, and so it goes without saying that a person that is immodest is also a person that lacks humility (either simply in that moment or as a regular habit). Let’s apply this to our scenario. The woman showed her disrespect for everyone in the restaurant by not being properly prepared for the interview and not offering an explanation as to why she wasn’t. It is sensible to assume that no one would want this woman to serve food that she had cooked, risking ingesting whatever was under her fingernails. Upon seeing her, is it likely the patrons felt that not only would they not be returning, but they would advise others not to visit the restaurant. Based on this woman’s appearance, the quality of the head chef ’s work would fall into question by the patrons if he had hired her. These are all basic proprieties that should be considered by everyone in a community. Our appearance and behavior do not just affect us alone. They affect everyone around us. Humility is required for anyone that is part of a community to understand that they are a part of the whole. The head chef and kitchen staff work as a team, and in seeking a sous chef, they were looking for someone who was both able and willing to commit to teamwork. Any good chef knows that it doesn’t matter how great he is if he has no kitchen staff to help him. The kitchen staff knows that without the head chef, there is no one to lead them and teach them. Both sides must humble themselves in order to work well together. The head chef could see the outward expression of the woman’s disdain for order, cleanliness, punctuality, and humility - all of which are required to function within a community. She was, by definition, immodest.

Now, let’s apply this to the church, a community of Christians. First, we must realize that a standard has already been established; God is the One that decides what is morally proper/ decent and what is not, because the church belongs to Him, Acts 20:28. He makes the rules, 1 Cor. 14:37. It is also important to understand that the church does not stop being the church

outside of the church building. We are the church every day, every where. We must also remember why we are the church. We’re ambassadors for Christ! (2 Cor. 5:20) Don’t forget what we signed up for when we became Christians: to be like Christ, to teach others of Christ, and to bring as many souls to Christ as we can. To do this, we have to wear the same virtues Christ wore

- humility, unselfishness, and holiness - in order to fulfill the task given to us, 1 Pet. 1:16-17. How we appear, approach, and associate with others will tell others who and what we are. When that standard remains at the forefront of every decision we make, our appearance and behavior match accordingly. A life focused on God shines with the image of Christ. We shouldn’t want the attention to be on us, but on Him.

Desire for the attention that belongs to Christ is a characteristic of Satan, Mt. 4:1-11.

Unfortunately, I’ve seen some Christians wearing an image that looks nothing like Christ. When we take our eyes off of Christ and the church, a desire to look more like the world grows stronger. Then the fight for rights instead of righteousness begins. I feel I should be specific in this area concerning the goal of Christians. We should want the attention to be on God. Those that argue that they should be allowed to wear, say, do whatever they want have forgotten what they signed up for when they were baptized. They want the same attention Satan wants, 1 Jn. 2:16. We as Christians must be careful lest pride causes us to fall into the same condemnation as that old serpent, 1 Tim. 3:16.

Let’s go through some things that fall under the description of “immodest”.

1. Clothing. This is the most commonly addressed immodesty; clothing one chooses to wear that prevents others from seeing God in the person wearing them. Although this isn’t limited to women, more frequently are women the source of such immodesty. Anything from inappropriate bathing suits to short skirts and low-cut neck lines, women like to show off skin - skin that only a husband should see. Many a tale has been told of men conducting the worship service struggling to focus because one or more females are immodestly dressed. Do these females realize what they’re doing? Worshipping God, following God every day, requires focus. They’re taking attention that belongs to God and making it their own. This doesn’t just happen during a worship service, either. Taking another Christian’s focus away from God, no matter where you are and no matter your intent, is immodest. It is not limited to just worship service. Some even have the audacity to suggest that it’s the man’s responsibility to keep himself in check. There is

   nothing more selfish than having no compassion for the struggles of others. Such disrespect for another’s spiritual health is in itself sinful, 1 Cor. 8:12. By fighting for rights instead of righteousness, the seed of disunity is sown…and Satan is always thrilled to see discord among brethren.

   Men can wear clothing that distracts from God as well. Once I remember a man serving at the Lord’s table wearing jeans with holes, a t-shirt, and flip-flops. Knowing that he owned better clothes (because I’d seen him wear better), there were multiple distractions. It was a struggle to keep my mind where it needed to be - an unnecessary struggle. The man had been inconsiderate of his fellow Christians. Yes, it could have been a situation of extenuating circumstances, but he still had the option of seeking out a properly dressed man to take his place. It wasn't done maliciously. He didn’t get dressed that morning thinking to himself, “I’m going to throw off as many trains of thought as I possibly can today.” Sins can be committed in ignorance, Heb. 9:7. Once we learn it is a sin, acknowledging it as such and trying our best to do better in the future is a mark of repentance, Lk. 15:7, 2 Cor. 7:9. We must try our best to keep others focused on God.

2. Character. First, let me make one thing clear: none of us are sinless, Rom. 3:10. We are all works in progress. Some simply refuse to progress in the pathways of God. Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” (Lk. 6:45) Our clothes are not our only method of communicating who we are. If you pay attention long enough, a person will tell you who they are with their words and their behavior.

   Habits are difficult if not impossible to hide. Does this mean we have to be perfect? None of us can be. We all have bad habits we wish we could shed. The difference between a modest and an immodest human is the effort one puts into shedding bad habits and into having and maintaining a character that denotes a respect for God and fellow humans. A person that has a strong respect for God is also one that has respect for others. When disrespect for others is shown, it’s a good chance they also have little to no respect for God. We are all deserving of death, and the only thing keeping us from that death is a life in Christ, Rom. 6:23. With this knowledge, it is therefore the natural desire to do what is pleasing to God. This desire is at the forefront of a reasonable mind and manifests itself in action. God alone has the answers to all the questions we would ask in seeking to be in Christ. To learn, we must submit, James 4:7-10. Submission requires humility. Love and obedience are the natural children of humility, Phil. 2:8. Righteousness, not perfection,

   is God’s expectation, and Matthew had something to say about this: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.” (Mt. 5:6).

   Don’t be one that makes the mistake of thinking you can never change. An immodest person can become modest just as a modest person can become immodest. Both depend on the choices we make, Ezek. 33:10-16.

3. Company. “Do not be deceived. Evil company corrupts good morals.” 1 Cor. 15:33. I mentioned before about the opinion the head chef might garner had he hired the woman. Some might argue that ‘Jesus ate with publicans and sinners and so it shouldn’t matter what kind of people we let in to our circle. We shouldn’t be judged by that.’ Yes, He ate with them. He didn’t sin with them. He didn’t allow “fitting in” to direct His choices. He also had 12 apostles with Him. Thirteen are much more difficult to sway than one. When you have thirteen friends using modest behavior and wearing modest clothing, it’s a lot easier to make the decision to be modest in an immodest world. Our human nature craves to fit in, even when our more sensible spiritual mind tells us that fitting into a sinful crowd is contrary to the will of God. Anyone reading this article has experienced temptation and the pull that it has on our carnal desires. The head chef would also have been concerned with his kitchen staff. If the woman began to persuade any of his staff to stop caring about punctuality or cleanliness, the order they depended upon to continue to run a restaurant would have been compromised. In pursuing modesty, we should take care who we let into our circle.

One of the benefits of the church that is often overlooked is having brothers and sisters that love us telling us when we are getting too close to the fire, Jude 23. Every one of us needs eyes other than our own to see us so that we have the ability to see ourselves from a perspective other than just our own. It’s hard to see the big picture when you’re not the one behind the camera. We as Christians need to be open to receiving constructive criticism. The Hebrew writer describes elders as those that “watch out for your souls”, Heb. 13:17, as should every Christian toward one another, Heb. 13:1. To do this, we must be subject to one another, trust each other, and allow ourselves to be molded into Christ with one another, Gal. 6:1-10.

We will never influence the world by trying to be just like it. Be like Christ - in all things.

"Rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft..." - Joey Ferrell

In today’s society, we often hear things that are not customary to scripture. There is violence that is condoned, gender confusion, sexual deviation, dishonesty and this list could go on and on regarding the immorality of our world. But what about God’s people? Those whom have done what God has commanded to do…but, they take it upon themselves to make a decision or simply take the seat of God in judgment to say that “it is okay, God wants me happy?”

Well, God DOES want you happy…but He wants you happy in His ways, in life, and in eternity. More importantly than being happy in this life, He wants you RIGHT so that you may inherit the kingdom in eternity. Over and over, it never fails, this phrase comes up in discussion of subjects such as marriage, divorce and remarriage; negligence to the church assembly; and even drunkenness and “recreational” drug use. But, is there a standard that we must hold to?

Absolutely!

I want to take you to the thoughts that are outlined in 1 Samuel 15. You may recall that the people demanded a king instead of the way that God had chosen to rule His people. Even after warnings of what was to come, the people still wanted…and received a king. Saul was anointed by Samuel by the direction of God to be the first king. Oh boy….Saul didn’t really know what was in store…or did he?

Over time, there would come many decisions for Saul to make. One of these didn’t turn out so well. In 1 Samuel 15, God told Saul to utterly destroy the Amelekites for the pain and suffering they had caused to the children of Israel. Saul did not hesitate. He loaded up the armies, great in number, and he went to do just that…but…look what happened:

“But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep, the oxen, the fatlings, the lambs, and all that was good, and were unwilling to utterly destroy them. But everything despised and worthless, that they utterly destroyed.” (1 Samuel 15:9)

Saul made a very distinct and direct devastating choice. He chose to disobey God! God had told him to destroy all things…and to kill King Agag. Saul, Saul…oh the pain in that decision. God was not happy. Samuel goes on to tell Saul of God’s displeasure with him and it was severe. The consequences would be great.

Follow the dialogue of what happens when Saul disobeys God:

““I greatly regret that I have set up Saul as king, for he has turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried out to the Lord all night. So when Samuel rose early in the morning to meet Saul, it was told Samuel, saying, “Saul went to Carmel, and indeed, he set up a monument for himself; and he has gone on around, passed by, and gone down to Gilgal.” Then Samuel went to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord! I have performed the commandment of the Lord.” But Samuel said, “What then is this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” And Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites; for the people spared the best of the sheep and the oxen, to sacrifice to the Lord your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.”” (1 Samuel 15:11–15)

Saul had “thought” it would be okay to do this thing. He “thought” he would please God and man at the same time. He “thought” that it would not matter…as long as they were all happy with their spoils and a substitute sacrifice to God.

The pain of the words of Samuel continue:

“Then Samuel said to Saul, “Be quiet! And I will tell you what the Lord said to me last night.” And he said to him, “Speak on.” So Samuel said, “When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel? Now the Lord sent you on a mission, and said, ‘Go, and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? Why did you swoop down on the spoil, and do evil in the sight of the Lord?” And Saul said to Samuel, “But I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, and gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me, and brought back Agag king of Amalek; I have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.” (1 Samuel 15:16–20)

This wasn’t completely true though. And Samuel knew it, Saul knew it, but most importantly, God knew it. Saul did exactly what we might find happening in our society today in the next thing he says:

“But the people took of the plunder, sheep and oxen, the best of the things which should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.”” (1 Samuel 15:21)

He blamed someone else! He blamed their motives! He did NOT accept responsibility as their King, nore his actions as King.

Samuel gave Saul the absolute best answer and advice:

“So Samuel said: “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

We could certainly heed that statement as powerfully today as when it was said thousands of years ago. God sets the standards. God desires His people to be obedient. While He does require sacrifice in our own lives today - much different than the sacrifice of old - He wants us to obey what He says in all accounts.

Saul’s chastisement was rough. Look at what Samuel said:

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, And stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king.”” (1 Samuel 15:23)

Can you imagine how Saul must have felt? Well, we don’t have to use much imagination as the text goes on to reveal many things about Saul, his feelings about this situation, and how things ended for him. In the remainder of the chapter, Saul realizes his sin and the consequence that would be forthcoming. Samuel spells out how God was displeased with him and turns away from Saul in rejection…because God rejected him. Later on in the chapter, and in Chapter 16, we see that Saul was removed from the throne as King and replaced by a man after God’s own heart as he is called.

What is our application today?

• God wants obedience over happiness - but, with obedience should come happiness in pleasing God

• God rejects those who sin against Him

• God desires his people to separate from sinful things

• God expects disfellowship when those who are disobedient in sin continue in sin

• God expects repentance

• God’s people should mourn when there is “sin in the camp” no matter how close of family, friend, and so on that sin lives within.

• God loves you and wants you happy…with Him…in eternity.

Have you pained God with a desire for happiness? If so, friend, it is time to turn back to God and lament much like Saul did and worship God. Make that lifestyle or decision change to the betterment of your life to make God happy. In turn, your life can be blessed greatly in this life as it will be in eternity. Galatians 6 tells us that we are to bear one another’s burdens. If you are burdened with sin, there are those that are waiting to help! The decision to please God is ours.

Inward Spiritual Struggles - Good or Bad? - Ben Bailey

Inward Spiritual Struggles—Good or Bad?

Do you ever feel like you need to do more for the cause of Christ? Does the feeling that you aren’t everything you need to be trouble you? Maybe these feelings are something you struggle with every day. I have a friend who constantly struggles with this problem. He would often get discouraged by the feeling of imperfection and deeply distressed over the fact that he just didn’t feel like he was doing enough in the kingdom. As I thought about his situation and the inward struggle that each of us faces, I wondered “Are these feelings of imperfection a good or bad thing”? The more I thought about this matter the more I realized this truth: It’s not the people who have these struggles and feelings of imperfection that I worry about, it’s the ones that don’t that bother me. I know this is correct, for Paul expressed this to the church in Philippi saying, “not that I have already attained” and “not that I have already perfected” or “I do not count myself as apprehended” (Phil. 3:12-14). In essence, Paul was recognizing the fact that all of us face the inward struggles of imperfection and incompetence. And, if we use those feelings correctly they are not bad. How can these feelings help us?

If these feelings of imperfection motivate us to do more, they are beneficial to us. In view of his own inward struggles Paul said, “I Press on” (Phil. 3:12). Instead of getting discouraged, Paul used his inward struggle as a motivating factor. As one faces these struggles, maybe a little introspection would be in order. Paul said, “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). In times like these we should each look for more ways to serve God faithfully and stay busy in the kingdom!

If these feelings of imperfection keep us on our toes, they are beneficial to us. Maybe these feelings are simply a correct response of a good conscience seeking to help us do more and be more for Christ (1 John 3:20; Rom. 2:15). Rather than growing stagnant and becoming lukewarm, they remind us to stay busy and fruitful in the kingdom.

While a person can take these feelings to the extreme and allow them to affect his spiritual life negatively if used correctly they do have a positive spiritual benefit. Remember, the Apostle Paul said, “Not that I have already grasped it all or have already become perfect, but I press on if I may also take hold of that for which I was even taken hold of by Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:12).

Sin... - Joey Ferrell

The title says it all. Sin. That is what has been on my mind…well, not the actual sin itself, but the idea of sin. From the very time that man first sinned in the Garden of Eden, until today…and even into the future, sin lives on, and it is our worst enemy at work.

Sometimes, we tend to discount sin. We might overlook this or that because of societal changes, or because “everyone else is doing it,” and so on. Sin becomes more natural to us each and every day when we allow it to enter into our lives. Sin enslaves us, making us more adept to continuing in it day after day as a habit more than a vice.

Paul had plenty to write about sin. Let’s look at a few verses:

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.”

(Galatians 5:1)

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.”

(Romans 6:16–18)

“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.”

(Ephesians 2:1–7)

We could probably continue with posting scriptures about sin and how it enslaves us; however, you probably get the idea. What bothers me about sin is much more than just the idea of a trespass. I cannot help but think about the consequences of sin, the pain that sin has caused many from the age of creation, the misery in even death that was caused as a result of one man’s sin (Romans 5:12-21). I also cannot help but think about how my own sin has caused heartache for even my own family, but more importantly…my God. I am sure you can say the same thing.

But…there is some good news!

Sin CAN be forgiven. Sin CAN be overcome. Sin CAN be healed from in part.

Romans 6:23 talks about the wages of sin being death…and certainly that idea rings heavy, but don’t lose sight. The back half of that verse tells us to have hope in the eternal ife in Jesus Christ with His gift!

What does that mean? That means that even the vilest of the vile, the meanest of the mean, the lyingist of the lying, and so on…can be washed from those sins in the soul-saving blood of Christ, our Lord.

Paul recounts his conversion in Acts 22. In this story, Paul is told that he must go to find a man that would tell him all that he would need to do. He finds him. That man tells him how to be saved, and then he asks a very important question:

“Why tarryiest thou? Arise and be baptized, calling on the name of the Lord, washing away your sins…”

Did you see that? Those sins were gone with the empty mop water bucket. History. Never to be held against Paul any longer. Friend, you can have that same cleansing in Christ Jesus! Maybe you believe you are saved, yet you have not done what is required based on the scriptures. In Acts 19, there were some who had been baptized that did not know why they were baptized, or were not baptized into the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. What happened? Well, we see Paul teaching them and they were baptized…correctly after learning the truth! Hallelujah for second opportunities!

Maybe you need to find out more about the free gift of life…maybe you have questioned your own salvation in recent times. We have answers. We want to help! May God bless you as you seek truth.